LSAT Explanation PT 36, S1, Q19: Although it has been suggested that

LSAT Question Stem

The reasoning above is questionable because it 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the passage and analyze its argument structure. The passage suggests that Arton's plays have a strong patriotic flavor. However, it also states that during the time of their composition, her country was not in a patriotic mood due to high unemployment, costly food, and soaring crime rates. This led to the general morale of the nation being at a low point. The passage concludes that any apparent patriotism in Arton's work must have been intended ironically.

In this argument, we have the following structure:

- Premise: Arton's plays have a strong patriotic flavor.

- Premise: The country was not in a patriotic mood during the time of their composition.

- Conclusion: Any apparent patriotism in Arton's work must have been intended ironically.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Was Arton aware of the predominant national attitude of her time?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. This is a Flaw question, asking us to identify the questionable reasoning in the argument.

a) posits an unstated relationship between unemployment and crime

This choice is incorrect because the passage doesn't assume any specific relationship between unemployment and crime. It just lists them as factors contributing to the low morale of the nation.

b) takes for granted that straightforward patriotism is not possible for a serious writer

This choice is also incorrect because it's too broad. The passage doesn't assume that straightforward patriotism is impossible for every serious writer; it only focuses on Arton's work during a specific time when the nation was not in a patriotic mood.

c) takes for granted that Arton was attuned to the predominant national attitude of her time

This is the correct answer. The passage assumes that Arton was aware of the low morale and lack of patriotism in her country during the time of her work's composition. However, it's possible that she was not aware of this national attitude and wrote her plays with sincere patriotism.

d) overlooks the fact that some citizens prosper in times of high unemployment

This choice is incorrect because it doesn't address the reasoning behind the conclusion that Arton's patriotism was intended ironically. Whether some citizens prosper in times of high unemployment is irrelevant to the argument.

e) confuses irony with a general decline in public morale

This choice is incorrect because the passage doesn't confuse the two concepts. Instead, it uses the general decline in public morale as evidence for the conclusion that Arton's patriotism was intended ironically.

In summary, the correct answer is C because the passage takes for granted that Arton was attuned to the predominant national attitude of her time. This assumption is crucial to the argument's conclusion that her apparent patriotism was intended ironically.