LSAT Explanation PT 33, S3, Q21: Some government economists view their home

LSAT Question Stem

The argument's conclusion 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 A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In the passage, the author presents an argument that can be summarized as follows:

Premise: Economies are always open systems, and international trade significantly affects prices and wages.

Conclusion: Government economists must look beyond national borders if their nations' economies are to prosper.

The argument's structure is straightforward, with one premise leading to a conclusion. The author uses an analogy from physics to illustrate the need for economists to consider the effects of international trade on their home countries' economies, just as physicists had to learn the limitations of a mechanics based on idealizations.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is considering international trade necessary for a nation's economy to prosper?"

The question type is Sufficient Assumption, asking us to identify an assumption that would make the conclusion logically follow. The correct answer is A.

Let's examine each answer choice:

a) A national economy cannot prosper unless every significant influence on it has been examined by that nation's government economists.

This answer choice fills the gap in the argument by stating that examining every significant influence (including international trade) is necessary for a nation's economy to prosper. Thus, it supports the conclusion that government economists must look beyond national borders.

b) Economics is weakly analogous to the physical sciences.

This answer choice does not help bridge the gap between the premise and the conclusion. The analogy to physics is not central to the argument's logic, and this answer choice does not address the necessary consideration of international trade.

c) Economic theories relying on idealizations are generally less accurate than economic theories that do not rely on idealizations.

This answer choice also does not help bridge the gap in the argument. While it touches on the issue of idealizations, it does not directly address the importance of considering international trade for a nation's economy to prosper.

d) International trade is the primary significant variable influencing prices and wages.

Although this answer choice highlights the importance of international trade, it does not establish that considering international trade is necessary for a nation's economy to prosper. Furthermore, it does not address the role of government economists in examining these influences.

e) Some government economists have been ignoring the effects of international trade on prices and wages.

This answer choice points out a problem with the current approach of some government economists, but it does not establish that considering international trade is necessary for a nation's economy to prosper.

In summary, answer choice A is the correct answer because it fills the gap in the argument by stating that examining every significant influence, including international trade, is necessary for a nation's economy to prosper. This supports the conclusion that government economists must look beyond national borders.