LSAT Explanation PT 32, S4, Q2: The process by which nylon is

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, would weaken the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The argument can be summarized as follows:

Premise 1: Manufacturing nylon releases large amounts of nitrous oxide, which is harmful to the environment.

Premise 2: Processing cotton fiber does not release environmentally harmful gases.

Conclusion: There would be less environmental damage if cotton fiber were used to make products such as thread and rope instead of nylon.

The structure of the argument is that the author presents two premises about the environmental impact of nylon and cotton and then concludes that using cotton fiber would cause less environmental damage than using nylon.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Would using cotton fiber in place of nylon for thread and rope production lead to any other negative environmental consequences?"

Now, let's discuss the answer choices for the Weaken question type, which asks us to find the statement that would weaken the argument.

a) This answer choice talks about the overall state of environmental problems, but it doesn't address the specific comparison between nylon and cotton fiber. It doesn't weaken the conclusion that using cotton fiber instead of nylon would cause less environmental damage.

b) This answer choice actually strengthens the argument, as it suggests that even a partial switch to cotton fiber would reduce environmental damage. It doesn't weaken the conclusion.

c) Correct answer. This choice weakens the argument by suggesting that if cotton fiber replaced nylon in the production of thread and rope, there would be an increase in the amount of nylon used in other products. This implies that the overall environmental impact of nylon might not decrease significantly, even if cotton fiber were used for thread and rope production.

d) This answer choice also strengthens the argument by stating that reducing the quantity of nylon manufactured would lead to a decrease in the volume of pollutants released into the environment. It doesn't weaken the conclusion.

e) This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument, as it discusses the production of cotton fiber in relation to the continued use of nylon. It doesn't address the environmental impact of using cotton fiber instead of nylon for thread and rope production.

In conclusion, answer choice C is the correct answer, as it weakens the argument by suggesting that replacing nylon with cotton fiber in thread and rope production might not lead to a significant reduction in the overall environmental impact of nylon.