LSAT Explanation PT 39, S2, Q9: Claude: To introduce greater public accountability

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following responses by Claude would, if true, most strongly counter Lorraine's objection? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Weaken question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this passage, we have an argument between Claude and Lorraine about whether France should hold referenda on major foreign-policy issues. Claude claims that referenda would introduce greater public accountability, while Lorraine argues that the general public's unwillingness or inability to become informed about foreign-policy issues would lead to a foreign-policy disaster. The question type is Weaken, and we are tasked with finding a response by Claude that would most strongly counter Lorraine's objection.

Let's break down the argument:

Premise: The general public is unwilling or unable to become informed about foreign-policy issues.

Conclusion: Introducing referenda on foreign-policy issues would lead to a foreign-policy disaster.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument might be: "Would the general public become more willing or able to become informed about foreign-policy issues if they had the power to influence decisions through referenda?"

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) The mechanics of holding a referendum would not, in the computer age, pose insuperable problems.

This answer choice does not address Lorraine's objection about the general public's unwillingness or inability to become informed. It simply states that holding a referendum is technologically feasible. This doesn't weaken Lorraine's argument.

b) Some of the information on which foreign-policy decisions are based comes from intelligence sources that must not be compromised by publicity.

This answer choice actually strengthens Lorraine's argument, suggesting that the general public would be unable to become informed about certain aspects of foreign-policy due to classified information. It does not weaken her argument.

c) Foreign proponents and opponents of a particular policy would attempt to sway French public opinion before a referendum.

This answer choice does not address the unwillingness or inability of the general public to become informed. In fact, it might even strengthen Lorraine's argument, as it suggests that the public could be swayed by outside interests, which could be harmful to French national interests.

d) The general public has little desire to become informed about foreign-policy issues precisely because it has little or no power to influence foreign-policy decisions.

This answer choice directly addresses Lorraine's objection about the general public's unwillingness to become informed. It implies that if the public were allowed to vote on foreign-policy decisions through referenda, they might have more reason and desire to become informed, thus weakening Lorraine's argument. This is the correct answer.

e) Foreign governments friendly to France would be reluctant to share information with France if it might become public in a referendum debate.

This answer choice, like answer choice (b), suggests that some information involved in foreign policy decisions is not easily transmitted to the general public, thereby strengthening Lorraine's argument. It does not weaken her argument.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (d), as it directly addresses and weakens Lorraine's objection about the general public's unwillingness or inability to become informed about foreign-policy issues.