LSAT Explanation PT 30, S2, Q20: Scientist: Some critics of public funding

LSAT Question Stem

If the scientist's claims are true, which one of the following must also be true? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be True question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first break down the passage. The scientist is discussing a research project that has critics who argue that continued public funding is only justified if it can be shown how the public will benefit from the project. The scientist counters this by stating that if the critics were right, there wouldn't be the tremendous public support for the project that even the critics acknowledge. In simpler terms, the scientist is saying that if the critics' argument was valid, there wouldn't be public support, but since there is public support, the critics' argument is not valid.

Now, let's analyze the question and answer choices. The question is a Must Be True (MBT) question, which means we need to find the answer choice that must be true based on the information in the passage.

a) The benefits derived from the research project are irrelevant to whether or not its funding is justified.

This answer choice is incorrect because it goes too far by stating that the benefits are irrelevant. The passage only argues that the critics' specific condition (indicating public benefit) is not a requirement for justifying funding, not that benefits are irrelevant altogether.

b) Continued public funding for the research project is justified.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not provide enough information to conclude that continued public funding is justified. It only argues against the critics' specific condition.

c) Public support for the research project is the surest indication of whether or not it is justified.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not discuss the relationship between public support and the justification of funding. The "surest" indication is also too strong a claim.

d) There is tremendous public support for the research project because it can be indicated how the public will benefit from the project.

This answer choice is incorrect because it establishes a causal connection between public support and indicating public benefit that is not supported by the passage.

e) That a public benefit can be indicated is not a requirement for the justification of the research project's continued public funding.

This answer choice is correct because it accurately reflects the scientist's argument that the critics' specific condition (indicating public benefit) is not a requirement for justifying continued public funding, given the existence of public support.

Thus, the correct answer is E.