LSAT Explanation PT 37, S2, Q24: Roxanne: To protect declining elephant herds

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following principles, if established, would most help to justify Salvador's position? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this passage, we have a discussion between Roxanne and Salvador about the purchase of ivory and its impact on endangered elephant herds. Roxanne argues that people concerned about endangered species should only buy antique ivory, as it doesn't provide any incentive for poachers to obtain more new ivory. Salvador, on the other hand, argues that since the demand for antique ivory is higher than the supply, people who would prefer to buy antique ivory end up buying new ivory instead. He suggests that people concerned about endangered species should refrain from buying any ivory at all to ensure that the demand for new ivory decreases. The question type is Principle, and we are asked to find the principle that would most help to justify Salvador's position.

Let's analyze the answer choices:

a) This answer choice talks about disseminating knowledge concerning potential threats to endangered species. While it may be a good idea in general, it doesn't directly relate to Salvador's argument about refraining from buying any ivory at all. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

b) This answer choice focuses on the availability of acceptable substitutes for products that could harm endangered species. While it's a relevant consideration, it doesn't directly address Salvador's point about the demand for new ivory and refraining from buying any ivory. So, this choice is also incorrect.

c) This answer choice suggests refraining from the purchase of all manufactured objects produced from endangered species, except for those objects already in existence at the time the species became endangered. This principle aligns more with Roxanne's position about buying only antique ivory and doesn't directly support Salvador's argument. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

d) This answer choice introduces the idea of workers engaged in the ivory trade agreeing to restraint. While it's an interesting consideration, Salvador's argument doesn't depend on this factor. So, this choice is also incorrect.

e) This answer choice states that people concerned about endangered species should act in ways that there is reason to believe will help reduce the undesirable results of the actions performed by people who do not share that concern. This principle aligns well with Salvador's argument, as it supports the idea of refraining from buying any ivory to decrease the demand for new ivory. Therefore, this choice is correct.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (e), as it best supports Salvador's position of refraining from buying any ivory at all to reduce the demand for new ivory and protect endangered elephant herds from poachers.