LSAT Explanation PT 34, S3, Q10: Philosopher: People are not intellectually well

LSAT Question Stem

The reasoning in the philosopher's argument is flawed because the argument takes for granted that 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The philosopher presents the following argument:

Premise: People are not intellectually well suited to live in large, bureaucratic societies.

Conclusion: Therefore, people can find happiness, if at all, only in smaller political units such as villages.

The philosopher's argument assumes a connection between being intellectually well suited to live in a certain type of society and finding happiness. The question type is a Flaw question, which asks us to identify the flaw in the argument's reasoning. In this case, we need to find the answer choice that points out the assumption the argument takes for granted.

Now, let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) no one can ever be happy living in a society in which she or he is not intellectually well suited to live

This answer choice correctly identifies the flaw in the philosopher's argument. The argument assumes that if people are not intellectually well suited to live in large, bureaucratic societies, they cannot be happy in such societies. However, this connection between intellectual suitability and happiness is not necessarily true. Hence, answer choice A is the correct answer.

b) the primary purpose of small political units such as villages is to make people happy

This answer choice is not relevant to the argument's reasoning. The philosopher does not assume that the primary purpose of villages is to make people happy. This choice is out of scope and can be dismissed.

c) all societies that are plagued by excessive bureaucracy are large

This answer choice is also not relevant to the argument's reasoning. The philosopher's argument does not assume that all bureaucratic societies are large. This choice is out of scope and can be dismissed.

d) anyone who lives in a village or other small political unit that is not excessively bureaucratic can find happiness

This answer choice is incorrect because the philosopher does not assume that happiness is guaranteed in villages or other small political units. The argument states that people can find happiness, if at all, only in smaller political units, which implies that happiness is not guaranteed in villages. This choice can be dismissed.

e) everyone is willing to live in villages or other small political units

This answer choice is not relevant to the argument's reasoning. The philosopher does not assume that everyone is willing to live in villages or other small political units. This choice is out of scope and can be dismissed.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it accurately identifies the flaw in the philosopher's argument by pointing out the assumption that people cannot be happy in societies where they are not intellectually well suited to live.