LSAT Explanation PT 37, S2, Q18: Some critics of space exploration programs

LSAT Question Stem

The passage conforms most closely to which one of the following propositions? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this LSAT problem, we are given a passage discussing the critics of space exploration programs who claim that they are too costly to be justified. The passage also mentions the risk of a debilitating explosion and how budgetary pressures to make the programs cheaper can undermine safety, as evidenced by one program's managers uncovering a series of manufacturing flaws. The question type is Principle, and we are asked to identify the proposition that the passage conforms most closely to.

Before diving into the answer choices, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The argument can be broken down into the following parts:

1. Premise: Critics argue that space exploration programs are too costly.

2. Premise: There is a risk of a debilitating explosion.

3. Premise: Budgetary pressures to make the programs cheaper can undermine safety.

4. Premise: One program's managers found manufacturing flaws due to pressure to produce results as quickly and cheaply as possible.

The argument seems to be a list of premises without a clear conclusion. However, the overall idea is that attempts to make space exploration programs cheaper can lead to safety issues.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is there a direct relationship between budgetary pressures and the manufacturing flaws found by the program's managers?"

Now let's discuss the answer choices:

a) Attempts to solve one problem can lead to the exacerbation of another problem.

This answer choice is correct because it captures the general idea that attempting to solve the problem of cost can lead to safety issues. It is a principle that can be applied to the passage, as the budgetary pressures to make the programs cheaper can undermine safety.

b) Safety risks are sometimes ignored in the name of scientific progress.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not state that safety risks are ignored for scientific progress. The focus is on the budgetary pressures to make the programs cheaper, not on scientific progress.

c) Safety is often sacrificed in order to reach a goal as quickly as possible.

This answer choice is incorrect because it focuses on "quickly" rather than "cheaply." The passage discusses the relationship between cost and safety, not speed. Additionally, the passage only provides one example of safety being sacrificed, so using "often" might be too strong a claim.

d) Bureaucratic mistakes can lead to quality reduction and inefficiency.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not mention bureaucratic mistakes. The focus is on budgetary pressures and their impact on safety, not on mistakes made by bureaucracy.

e) Space exploration is too dangerous to be continued.

This answer choice is incorrect because it goes too far in its claim. The passage does not argue that space exploration should be discontinued, but rather discusses the critics' concerns about cost and safety.

In conclusion, the correct answer is choice A, as it captures the principle that attempting to solve one problem (cost) can lead to the exacerbation of another problem (safety).