LSAT Explanation PT 31, S3, Q8: Books updating the classification systems used

LSAT Question Stem

The reasoning above is most vulnerable to criticism because it 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that books updating classification systems are expensive, and the only way to sell them is to make potential buyers (libraries) believe they need the most recent system. The author concludes that frequent changes in classification systems are just a ploy by publishers to make libraries buy their products. In this argument, the premise is that the only way to sell these books is to make libraries believe they need the most recent system, and the conclusion is that frequent changes in classification systems are just a ploy by publishers to make libraries buy their products.

To simplify this argument, imagine a company that sells a new type of cleaning solution. The only way to sell this cleaning solution is to make potential buyers (homeowners) believe they need the most recent formula. The author would then conclude that frequent changes in the cleaning solution formula are just a ploy by the company to make homeowners buy their products.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Are there any other motivations for updating the classification systems besides making libraries buy the books?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and answer choices. The question type is a Flaw question, which asks us to identify the flaw in the reasoning of the argument. We need to find the answer choice that best describes the flaw in the argument.

a) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not claim that the books are unreasonably expensive. It simply states that they are very expensive.

b) This is the correct answer. The argument concludes that a possible ulterior motive (making libraries buy the books) must be the only motive for updating the classification systems. It fails to consider other possible reasons for updating the systems, such as improving organization or reflecting new knowledge.

c) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not fail to consider other potential buyers. It focuses on libraries as the primary buyers, but even if there were other buyers, the argument's conclusion about the ploy targeting libraries would still hold.

d) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not conclude that there is no need ever to change classification systems. It only claims that frequent changes are a ploy by publishers to make libraries buy their products.

e) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not fail to consider that libraries cannot afford to buy every book they want. The argument's focus is on the motivation behind updating classification systems, not on libraries' purchasing capabilities.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as the argument assumes that a possible ulterior motive must be the only motive for updating classification systems, without considering other possible reasons for these updates.