LSAT Explanation PT 33, S3, Q9: At some point in any discussion

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following statements, if true, most strengthens the argument concerning the general principles of justice? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that different communities that recognize the dignity and equality of all citizens will have different provisions for the elderly. This leads to the conclusion that general principles of justice are never sufficient to determine the details of social policies fixed within a particular state. In other words, just knowing the general principles of justice isn't enough to predict the specifics of social policies in a given state.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Are there any examples of states with similar principles of justice that have different social policies?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. The question is a Strengthen question, asking us to find the statement that, if true, most strengthens the argument concerning the general principles of justice.

a) This answer choice talks about electoral principles and machines for counting ballots, which are not related to the principles of justice or social policies. Therefore, it doesn't strengthen the argument.

b) This choice discusses two democratic industrial states with capitalistic economic principles, but these principles are not the same as principles of justice. Additionally, the land devoted to forestry is not necessarily a social policy. Thus, this choice doesn't strengthen the argument.

c) This choice compares a democracy and a monarchy with the same distribution of wealth. However, it doesn't discuss the principles of justice or social policies. Moreover, it shows similar results instead of different ones, which weakens the argument rather than strengthening it.

d) This is the correct answer. It provides an example of two states with similar principles of justice that have different requirements for government-subsidized day care, which is a social policy. This supports the argument that general principles of justice are not sufficient to determine the details of social policies.

e) This choice talks about two societies with different principles of justice that have the same unemployment benefits. This is the opposite of what we're looking for since it shows similar results instead of different ones, which weakens the argument rather than strengthening it.

In conclusion, the correct answer is D, as it provides an example that supports the argument that general principles of justice are not sufficient to determine the details of social policies fixed within a particular state.