LSAT Explanation PT 38, S4, Q16: People who do not believe that

LSAT Question Stem

The conclusion above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument presented in the passage. The passage has the following structure:

Premise 1: People who do not believe that others distrust them (Not Distrusted) are confident in their own abilities (Confident).

Premise 2: People who are confident in their own abilities (Confident) regard difficult tasks as a challenge (Challenge).

Conclusion: People who tend to trust others (Trust Others) think of a difficult task as a challenge (Challenge).

Now, let's come up with an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "What is the relationship between people who tend to trust others and people who do not believe that others distrust them?"

The question type for this problem is Sufficient Assumption, and we are asked to identify the assumption that, if true, would make the conclusion follow logically.

Let's analyze each answer choice:

a) People who believe that others distrust them tend to trust others.

This answer choice doesn't help us establish a connection between "Trust Others" and "Challenge". It focuses on people who believe that others distrust them, which is not what we need.

b) Confidence in one's own abilities gives one confidence in the trustworthiness of others.

This answer choice links confidence in one's abilities to confidence in the trustworthiness of others, but it doesn't directly connect "Trust Others" to "Challenge". It doesn't fill the gap in the argument.

c) People who tend to trust others do not believe that others distrust them.

This answer choice connects "Trust Others" to "Not Distrusted", which is the missing link we need to connect the conclusion to the premises. If we assume this statement is true, then the argument becomes valid. This is the correct answer.

d) People who are not threatened by difficult tasks tend to find such tasks challenging.

This answer choice focuses on people who are not threatened by difficult tasks, but it doesn't help us connect "Trust Others" to "Challenge". It doesn't fill the gap in the argument.

e) People tend to distrust those who they believe lack self-confidence.

This answer choice discusses people's distrust based on others' self-confidence, but it doesn't help us connect "Trust Others" to "Challenge". It doesn't fill the gap in the argument.

In conclusion, the correct answer is C, as it establishes the missing link between "Trust Others" and "Challenge", making the argument valid.