LSAT Explanation PT 30, S2, Q19: Columnist: A recent study suggests that

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following principles is logically consistent with the columnist's conclusion EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle (Misc) question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In the passage, the columnist argues that since the government does not impose financial impediments on owning parrots despite the apparent danger of lung cancer, it should not impose special taxes on other dangerous activities such as hunting gear, snow skis, recreational parachutes, or motorcycles. The question type is Principle (Misc), and it asks us to identify the principle that is NOT logically consistent with the columnist's conclusion.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) The government should fund education by taxing nonessential sports equipment and recreational gear.

This principle suggests that the government should tax nonessential sports equipment and recreational gear to fund education. While it does mention taxing, it is not directly related to the columnist's argument about not taxing dangerous activities. It could be true that the government taxes nonessential sports equipment and recreational gear while also not taxing dangerous activities. Therefore, this principle is consistent with the columnist's conclusion.

b) The government should not tax those who avoid dangerous activities and adopt healthy lifestyles.

This principle is about not taxing people who avoid dangerous activities and adopt healthy lifestyles. It doesn't contradict the columnist's conclusion, which is about not taxing dangerous activities. Both principles could be true simultaneously. Therefore, this principle is consistent with the columnist's conclusion.

c) The government should create financial disincentives to deter participation in activities it deems dangerous.

This principle directly contradicts the columnist's conclusion, as it suggests that the government should create financial disincentives (such as taxes) to deter participation in dangerous activities. Since it goes against the columnist's argument, this principle is NOT logically consistent with the conclusion, making it the correct answer.

d) The government should not create financial disincentives for people to race cars or climb mountains, even though these are dangerous activities.

This principle is in line with the columnist's conclusion, as it suggests that the government should not create financial disincentives for dangerous activities, such as racing cars or climbing mountains. Therefore, this principle is consistent with the columnist's conclusion.

e) The government would be justified in levying taxes to provide food and shelter for those who cannot afford to pay for them.

This principle is about levying taxes for a different purpose - providing food and shelter for those in need. It doesn't contradict the columnist's conclusion about not taxing dangerous activities. Both principles could be true simultaneously. Therefore, this principle is consistent with the columnist's conclusion.

In summary, the correct answer is C, as it is the only principle that is NOT logically consistent with the columnist's conclusion.