LSAT Explanation PT 36, S1, Q8: It has been claimed that television

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The argument states that television networks should provide equal time for the presentation of opposing views when a program concerns social issues because these issues almost always have important political implications and seldom can be definitively settled based on available evidence. However, the author concludes that if a program concerns scientific issues, there is no equal time obligation.

Here's the structure of the argument:

1. Premise: Social issues almost always have important political implications and seldom can be definitively settled based on available evidence.

2. Conclusion: If a program concerns scientific issues, there is no equal time obligation.

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question about the argument: "Do scientific issues always lack important political implications and can be definitively settled based on available evidence?"

The question type of this problem is Weaken, so we are looking for an answer choice that undermines the conclusion or the relationship between the premises and the conclusion.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) No scientific issues raised by the claims of environmentalists have important political implications.

- This answer choice strengthens the argument by supporting the idea that scientific issues lack political implications. Therefore, it is not the correct answer.

b) There are often more than two opposing views on an issue that cannot be definitely settled on the basis of available evidence.

- This answer choice doesn't specifically address scientific issues and doesn't undermine the conclusion. It is not the correct answer.

c) Some social issues could be definitely settled on the basis of evidence if the opposing sides would give all the available evidence a fair hearing.

- This answer choice doesn't address scientific issues and doesn't undermine the conclusion. It is not the correct answer.

d) Many scientific issues have important political implications and cannot be definitely settled on the basis of the available evidence.

- This answer choice weakens the argument by directly challenging the assumption that scientific issues always lack important political implications and can be definitively settled based on available evidence. This is the correct answer.

e) Some television networks refuse to broadcast programs on issues that have important political implications and that cannot be definitely settled by the available evidence.

- This answer choice is irrelevant to the argument as it doesn't address the equal time obligation for scientific issues. It is not the correct answer.

In conclusion, the correct answer to this Weaken question is answer choice D, as it undermines the conclusion of the argument by challenging the assumption that scientific issues always lack important political implications and can be definitively settled based on available evidence.