LSAT Explanation PT 33, S3, Q19: Raphaela: Forcing people to help others

LSAT Question Stem

Raphaela and Edward disagree about the truth of which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. Raphaela presents a premise that forcing people to help others is morally wrong, and from this, she concludes that no government has the right to redistribute resources via taxation. Edward counters her argument by stating that governments do have the right to redistribute resources via taxation, as long as they give people the freedom to leave and not live under their authority. The disagreement between Raphaela and Edward lies in whether governments have the right to redistribute resources via taxation.

Now, let's identify the question type and what it's asking us to do. This question is a Disagree question, which means we're looking for the answer choice that Raphaela and Edward disagree about.

a) Any government that does not permit emigration would be morally wrong to redistribute resources via taxation.

- This answer choice is incorrect because it only reflects Edward's view on emigration. We don't have enough information about Raphaela's stance on emigration, so we cannot determine if they disagree on this point.

b) Any government that permits emigration has the right to redistribute resources via taxation.

- This is the correct answer. Raphaela believes that no government has the right to redistribute resources via taxation, while Edward argues that governments do have the right if they permit emigration. They clearly disagree on this point.

c) Every government should allow people to help others voluntarily.

- This answer choice is incorrect because it doesn't address the disagreement between Raphaela and Edward, which is about the right to redistribute resources via taxation.

d) Any government that redistributes resources via taxation forces people to help others.

- This answer choice is incorrect because it doesn't address the disagreement between Raphaela and Edward. They both seem to agree that redistributing resources via taxation forces people to help others, but the disagreement is about whether governments have the right to do so.

e) Any government that forces people to help others should permit emigration.

- This answer choice is incorrect because it only reflects Edward's view on emigration. We don't have enough information about Raphaela's stance on emigration, so we cannot determine if they disagree on this point.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it directly addresses the disagreement between Raphaela and Edward about whether governments have the right to redistribute resources via taxation if they permit emigration.