LSAT Explanation PT 39, S2, Q19: Jeff: Proposed regulations concerning the use

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is a principle that, if established, would best support Jeff's conclusion? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze Jeff's argument in the passage. Jeff's argument can be broken down as follows:

Premise 1: Proposed regulations would prohibit experimentation on species humans empathize with (e.g., dogs and horses).

Premise 2: Neurological research shows all mammals can feel pain, just like dogs and horses.

Conclusion: The proposal should be extended to all experimentation on all mammals.

Jeff's conclusion is based on the fact that all mammals can feel pain, not on the empathy factor mentioned in the first premise. The question type for this problem is Principle, asking us to find a principle that would best support Jeff's conclusion.

Now, let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) This answer choice focuses on the empathy of the humans performing the experiments, which is not the basis for Jeff's conclusion. Therefore, it does not strengthen his argument.

b) Jeff's argument is not concerned with the means used to determine whether animals feel pain. He already knows that all mammals feel pain from his second premise. Thus, this answer choice does not strengthen Jeff's conclusion.

c) This answer choice attempts to draw you into a Mistaken Reversal. It states that only experiments known to cause pain should be prohibited. However, this does not help support Jeff's conclusion, as it does not provide a reason for extending the proposal to all mammals.

d) This answer choice is tempting but incorrect. It suggests that scientists should empathize with all mammals as much as they do with dogs and horses. However, Jeff's conclusion is based on the fact that all mammals can feel pain, not empathy. Adding this principle does not help support his conclusion.

e) This is the correct answer. This principle states that scientific experimentation should be prohibited on any creature capable of feeling pain. When combined with the premise that all mammals can feel pain, this principle supports Jeff's conclusion that the proposal should be extended to all mammals.

In summary, the correct answer is (e), as it provides a principle that, when combined with the premise that all mammals can feel pain, supports Jeff's conclusion that the proposal should be extended to all experimentation on all mammals.