LSAT Explanation PT 37, S4, Q20: The desire for praise is the

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if assumed, enables the conclusion of the argument to be properly drawn? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that the desire for praise is the desire to obtain favorable opinions of others as a sign that one is good. It further argues that people merit praise only for those actions motivated by a desire to help others. The conclusion is that one who aids others primarily out of a desire for praise does not deserve praise for that aid.

To simplify this argument, let's use an example. Imagine a person who donates to charity. If their main motivation is to help others, they deserve praise. However, if their primary motivation is to receive praise from others, they don't deserve praise for their donation.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Can an action be motivated by both a desire for praise and a desire to help others?"

Now, let's address the question type and the answer choices. The question type is Sufficient Assumption, which means we need to find the answer choice that, if assumed, enables the conclusion of the argument to be properly drawn.

a) An action that is motivated by a desire for the favorable opinion of others cannot also be motivated by a desire to help others.

This answer choice directly addresses the "Evaluate" question we posed earlier. If we assume that an action cannot be motivated by both desires, then the conclusion that one who aids others primarily out of a desire for praise does not deserve praise for that aid is properly drawn. This is the correct answer.

b) No action is worthy of praise if it is motivated solely by a desire for praise.

This answer choice is not sufficient because it uses the term "solely," which is stronger than "primarily" used in the conclusion. It doesn't address the possibility of having both motivations.

c) People who are indifferent to the welfare of others do not deserve praise.

This answer choice is not sufficient because it doesn't address the relationship between the desire for praise and the desire to help others. It only addresses people who are indifferent to others' welfare.

d) One deserves praise for advancing one's own interests only if one also advances the interests of others.

This answer choice is not sufficient because it doesn't address the relationship between the desire for praise and the desire to help others. It focuses on advancing one's own interests, which is not part of the argument.

e) It is the motives rather than the consequences of one's actions that determine whether one deserves praise for them.

This answer choice is not sufficient because it doesn't address the relationship between the desire for praise and the desire to help others. It focuses on the general idea of motives versus consequences, which is not specific to the argument.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it directly addresses the relationship between the desire for praise and the desire to help others, and enables the conclusion of the argument to be properly drawn.