LSAT Explanation PT 29, S4, Q2: Economist: To the extent that homelessness

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the economist's argument by the phrase "To the extent that homelessness arises from a lack of available housing"? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is an Argument Part question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The economist states that if homelessness is caused by a lack of available housing, it should not be assumed that the profit motive is at fault. The economist goes on to say that private investors will generally provide housing if they can make a profit, and it's unrealistic to expect them to take risks without any potential benefits. In this argument, the premise is that private investors will provide housing if profitable, and the conclusion is that the profit motive should not be assumed to be at fault for homelessness due to a lack of available housing.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is an Argument Part question, and it asks us to describe the role played by the phrase "To the extent that homelessness arises from a lack of available housing" in the economist's argument.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) It limits the application of the argument to a part of the problem.

This answer choice is correct because the phrase "To the extent that homelessness arises from a lack of available housing" limits the scope of the argument. The economist is not discussing all causes of homelessness, but only the part that arises from a lack of available housing.

b) It suggests that the primary cause of homelessness is a lack of available housing.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not claim that a lack of available housing is the primary cause of homelessness. It only discusses the relationship between the profit motive and homelessness due to a lack of available housing.

c) It is offered as evidence crucial to the conclusion.

This answer choice is incorrect because the phrase is not used as evidence to support the conclusion. It is used to limit the scope of the argument.

d) It expresses the conclusion to be argued for.

This answer choice is incorrect because the phrase is not the conclusion of the argument. The conclusion is that the profit motive should not be assumed to be at fault for homelessness due to a lack of available housing.

e) It suggests a possible solution to the problem of homelessness.

This answer choice is incorrect because the phrase does not suggest a solution to the problem of homelessness. It only limits the scope of the argument.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as the phrase "To the extent that homelessness arises from a lack of available housing" limits the application of the argument to a part of the problem - homelessness caused by a lack of available housing.