LSAT Explanation PT 36, S1, Q1: Joanna: The only way for a

LSAT Question Stem

Ruth uses which one of the following argumentative techniques in countering Joanna's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's summarize and analyze the argument in the passage. Joanna presents a claim that the only way for a company to be successful after emerging from bankruptcy is to produce the same goods or services it did before going bankrupt. She supports this claim by stating that it is futile for such a company to try to learn a whole new business. This is the conclusion of Joanna's argument. Ruth counters Joanna's argument by providing an example of the Kelton Company, which was a major mining operation that went into bankruptcy and later became a successful waste-management concern by turning its mines into landfills. This example is meant to counter Joanna's claim.

The question type is a Method of Reasoning (MOR) question, asking us to identify the argumentative technique Ruth uses in countering Joanna's argument.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) She presents a counterexample to a claim.

This is the correct answer. Ruth provides the example of the Kelton Company to counter Joanna's claim that companies can only be successful after bankruptcy by producing the same goods or services. A counterexample doesn't necessarily need to counter a specific example; it can be used within a counterargument to attack the original argument's premises.

b) She offers an alternative explanation for a phenomenon.

Ruth does not offer an alternative explanation. Instead, she provides a real-world example to counter Joanna's claim.

c) She supports a claim by offering a developed and relevant analogy.

This answer choice is incorrect because Ruth does not use an analogy (a comparison between two things) in her argument. She uses a real-world example, the Kelton Company, to counter Joanna's claim.

d) She undermines a claim by showing that it rests on an ambiguity.

Ruth does not discuss any ambiguities in Joanna's argument. She provides a counterexample to challenge Joanna's claim directly.

e) She establishes a conclusion by excluding the only plausible alternative to that conclusion.

This answer choice describes Joanna's original argument, where she uses the contrapositive of her premise as her conclusion. However, we are looking for Ruth's method of argumentation. Ruth does not exclude the other plausible alternative; she directly falsifies the premise with an example.

In conclusion, the correct answer is choice A, as Ruth presents a counterexample (the Kelton Company) to challenge Joanna's claim that companies can only be successful after bankruptcy by producing the same goods or services.