LSAT Explanation PT 35, S4, Q6: Many people are alarmed about the

LSAT Question Stem

The questionable pattern of reasoning in the argument above is most similar to that in which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first break down the passage's argument. The passage states that many people are alarmed by the population explosion, but they don't realize that this increase in population has led to economic growth. The author concludes that because of this connection, population control measures should not be taken. The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: Population explosion is alarming to many people.

Premise: The increase in population has led to economic growth.

Conclusion: Population control measures should not be taken.

To simplify this argument, let's use an accessible example. Imagine a classroom where students are worried about the increasing number of classmates (population explosion). However, they don't realize that this increase in students has led to more group projects and better overall grades (economic growth). The teacher concludes that they shouldn't limit the number of students in the class (population control measures).

The "Evaluate" question for this argument would be: "Is the economic growth solely due to the increase in population, and will it continue to grow with further population increase?"

Now, let's analyze the answer choices for the question, which asks us to identify the argument with a similar pattern of reasoning.

a) This answer choice talks about increased postage costs and the potential for higher subscription rates. However, it does not connect a potentially harmful situation (increased costs) to a positive outcome (economic growth) as the passage does. This choice does not parallel the passage's argument.

b) This answer choice discusses salespeople's concerns about the sales manager's aggressive behavior (potentially harmful situation) and connects it to the positive outcome of increasing sales. The conclusion is that no action should be taken to address the manager's behavior, just like the passage's conclusion about population control measures. This choice parallels the passage's argument and is the correct answer.

c) This choice suggests a way to extract some benefit from a potentially harmful behavior (children watching too much television), but it does not say that the behavior should be ignored, as the passage does. This choice does not parallel the passage's argument.

d) This choice talks about unhealthy foods and people's enjoyment of culinary variety, but it does not connect a potentially harmful situation to a positive outcome and recommend ignoring the negative situation, as the passage does. This choice does not parallel the passage's argument.

e) This choice discusses consumer beliefs about price increases but does not connect a potentially harmful situation to a positive outcome and recommend ignoring the negative situation, as the passage does. This choice does not parallel the passage's argument.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (B), as it parallels the passage's argument by connecting a potentially harmful situation to a positive outcome and recommending that the negative situation be ignored.