LSAT Explanation PT 34, S2, Q6: The notion that one might be

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following arguments is most similar in its reasoning to the argument above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's summarize and analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that the idea of behaving irrationally for a worthy end is incoherent because if the action is justified, then one would be behaving rationally, not irrationally. The structure of the argument can be broken down as follows:

Premise: Justified action implies rational behavior.

Conclusion: Irrational actions cannot be considered justified.

The question type is a Parallel question, which asks us to identify the answer choice that has the most similar reasoning to the argument in the passage. Now, let's discuss each answer choice.

a) This answer choice talks about representatives of the law committing crimes and their effectiveness in preventing crime. While it presents a principle of what representatives of the law should or should not do, it does not have the same dichotomy of definitions (rational vs. irrational) as in the passage. Therefore, this answer choice does not parallel the passage's reasoning.

b) This answer choice presents the following reasoning:

Premise: If water is spilled accidentally, it cannot be intentional.

Conclusion: If you intend to spill a glass of water, it cannot be accidental.

The conclusion is the contrapositive of the premise, just like in the passage. This answer choice has the same circular reasoning employed in the passage and is the correct answer.

c) This answer choice talks about living the good life and being unhappy. However, it introduces the idea of neighbors seeing one's unhappiness, which is not present in the conclusion. The passage's argument is circular, meaning everything mentioned in the premises is mentioned in the conclusion and the conclusion does not introduce any new ideas. Therefore, this answer choice does not parallel the passage's reasoning.

d) This answer choice argues that doctors cannot perform self-diagnosis because they cannot objectively evaluate their own symptoms. This answer choice does not describe a logical flaw, and it does not have the same circular reasoning as the passage. Therefore, it does not parallel the passage's reasoning.

e) This answer choice is about having both a cat and a goldfish and argues that it is unethical. The conclusion in this answer choice is normative (what should or should not happen), while the conclusion in the passage is descriptive. Therefore, this answer choice does not parallel the passage's reasoning.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it has the most similar reasoning to the argument in the passage.