LSAT Explanation PT 31, S2, Q13: Studies have shown that, contrary to

LSAT Question Stem

Each of the following, if true, contributes to an explanation of the phenomenon shown by the studies EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the passage and question. The passage states that studies have shown that middle-aged people have a greater fear of dying than elderly people. The question type is a Paradox, and we are asked to identify the answer choice that does NOT contribute to explaining this phenomenon.

Before we go through the answer choices, let's summarize the passage. The surprising finding is that middle-aged people are more afraid of dying than elderly people. To make this more relatable, imagine a 50-year-old person being more afraid of dying than an 80-year-old person.

Now, let's examine each answer choice:

a) The longer one lives, the more likely it is that one has come to terms with dying.

This answer choice suggests that elderly people, having lived longer, are more likely to have come to terms with dying. This could explain why they have less fear of dying than middle-aged people. Therefore, this answer choice contributes to the explanation.

b) Middle-aged people have more people dependent upon them than people of any other age group.

This answer choice implies that middle-aged people have more responsibilities and people relying on them, which could make them more afraid of dying. This provides a reason for their greater fear of dying compared to elderly people, who might have fewer dependents. Thus, this answer choice also contributes to the explanation.

c) Many people who suffer from depression first become depressed in middle age.

This answer choice does not provide any information on how depression relates to the fear of dying or how it differs between middle-aged and elderly people. It only states that depression often begins in middle age, but it doesn't indicate if middle-aged people are more depressed than elderly people or if depression affects their fear of dying. Therefore, this answer choice does NOT contribute to the explanation, making it the correct answer.

d) The longer one lives, the more imperturbable one becomes.

This answer choice suggests that as people age, they become less easily disturbed or bothered by things, including the fear of dying. This could explain why elderly people have less fear of dying than middle-aged people, who might be more easily affected by such concerns. Thus, this answer choice contributes to the explanation.

e) Middle-aged people have a more acute sense of their own mortality than do people of any other age group.

This answer choice indicates that middle-aged people are more aware of their own mortality than other age groups, including elderly people. This heightened awareness could explain their greater fear of dying. Therefore, this answer choice also contributes to the explanation.

In summary, the correct answer is C, as it does not contribute to explaining the phenomenon of middle-aged people having a greater fear of dying than elderly people.