LSAT Explanation PT 29, S4, Q16: Franklin: It is inconsistent to pay

LSAT Question Stem

Franklin's and Tomeka's statements provide the most support for holding that they disagree about the truth of which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage by identifying the premises and conclusion in the argument. Franklin argues that it is inconsistent to pay sports celebrities ten times what Nobel laureates are paid, as both have rare talents and work hard. Tomeka responds by pointing out that sports celebrities earn millions of dollars for their employers, unlike Nobel laureates. The disagreement between Franklin and Tomeka lies in whether there is a rational basis for the salary difference between sports celebrities and Nobel laureates.

The question type for this problem is "Disagree," and we are asked to identify which statement Franklin and Tomeka disagree about.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice in detail:

a) Nobel laureates should be taken more seriously.

Neither Franklin nor Tomeka addresses the issue of taking Nobel laureates more seriously. We cannot equate salary with seriousness, so this answer choice is incorrect.

b) Nobel laureates should be paid more than sports celebrities.

Franklin does not argue that Nobel laureates should be paid more than sports celebrities. He only argues that sports celebrities should not be paid ten times the pay of Nobel laureates. Tomeka doesn't address this issue either. So, this answer choice is incorrect.

c) Sports celebrities and Nobel laureates work equally hard for their employers.

Franklin would agree with this statement, but Tomeka does not mention anything about working hard. She only talks about the earnings of sports celebrities. Since we don't know Tomeka's view on this statement, this answer choice is incorrect.

d) There is no rational basis for the salary difference between sports celebrities and Nobel laureates.

This is the correct answer. Franklin argues that the salary disparity is inconsistent, implying that there is no rational basis for it. Tomeka, on the other hand, provides a reason for the pay disparity, suggesting that she disagrees with the statement. Because Franklin and Tomeka disagree on this statement, this is the correct answer.

e) The social contributions made by sports celebrities should be greater than they currently are.

Neither Franklin nor Tomeka addresses the social contributions of sports celebrities. We should not infer that a comparison is being made just because the other group in the discussion is composed of Nobel laureates. This answer choice is incorrect.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (d), as Franklin and Tomeka disagree on whether there is a rational basis for the salary difference between sports celebrities and Nobel laureates.