LSAT Explanation PT 31, S2, Q10: If something would have been justifiably

LSAT Question Stem

The conclusion above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states:

1. If something would have been justifiably regretted if it had occurred (JR), then it is something that one should not have desired in the first place (~D).

2. It follows that many forgone pleasures (FP) should not have been desired in the first place (~D).

The first statement is a premise, and the second statement is the conclusion. The structure of the argument is: JR ‚Üí ~D, therefore FP ‚Üí ~D.

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Are there any forgone pleasures that would have been justifiably regretted?"

The question type of this problem is Sufficient Assumption, which means we need to identify which answer choice, when assumed, would guarantee that the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

a) One should never regret one's pleasures.

This answer choice is not helpful because it does not address the relationship between justifiably regretted events and forgone pleasures. It only discusses the general concept of regretting pleasures, which is not specific enough to help us reach the conclusion.

b) Forgone pleasures that were not desired would not have been justifiably regretted.

This answer choice does not help us either because it only discusses forgone pleasures that were not desired. We need to find a connection between justifiably regretted events and forgone pleasures in general, not just the ones that were not desired.

c) Everything that one desires and then regrets not having is a forgone pleasure.

This answer choice gets the relationship wrong. We are looking for a connection between justifiably regretted events and forgone pleasures, not between desires and regrets.

d) Many forgone pleasures would have been justifiably regretted.

This is the correct answer. If we assume this statement, it directly connects justifiably regretted events (JR) with forgone pleasures (FP). This assumption allows us to conclude that many forgone pleasures should not have been desired in the first place (~D), which is the conclusion we're trying to reach.

e) Nothing that one should not have desired in the first place fails to be a pleasure.

This answer choice mixes up the terms "forgone pleasures" with simple "pleasures." It does not help us establish a connection between justifiably regretted events and forgone pleasures.

In summary, the correct answer is D because it provides a direct connection between justifiably regretted events and forgone pleasures, which allows us to reach the conclusion that many forgone pleasures should not have been desired in the first place.