LSAT Explanation PT 39, S4, Q11: Letter to the editor: According to

LSAT Question Stem

The reasoning above is most vulnerable to criticism on the grounds that it 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's break down the argument in the passage. The author of the letter to the editor is arguing against the opinion stated in an anonymous article that everyone should be required to carry identification cards and show them on demand. The author's main point (conclusion) is that this opinion is wrong. The premise supporting this conclusion is that the writers of the article should not have asserted that the right to remain anonymous was trivial unless they were prepared to put their names to that assertion.

In simple terms, the author is saying: "The anonymous writers claim that the right to remain anonymous is not important, but they are anonymous themselves. Therefore, their opinion is wrong." This argument is flawed because it focuses on the writers' actions rather than the content of their argument.

Now, let's create an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Is the validity of the writers' opinion on carrying identification cards dependent on whether they remain anonymous or not?"

The question type for this problem is Flaw, and we are asked to identify the flaw in the reasoning above.

a) The passage criticizes the editor rather than the writers of the article.

This answer choice is incorrect because the passage is actually criticizing the writers of the article, not the editor.

b) The passage diverts attention from the content of the article by focusing on the writers' actions.

This is the correct answer. The author's argument is flawed because it focuses on the writers being anonymous rather than addressing the content of their argument about carrying identification cards.

c) The passage commits the same error in reasoning that it accuses the writers of committing.

This answer choice is incorrect because the author does not commit the same error as the writers. The author's argument is flawed, but not for the same reason as the writers' argument.

d) The passage attacks the integrity of the writers without knowing anything about them.

This answer choice is incorrect because the author does not necessarily attack the writers' integrity. The author points out the inconsistency between the writers' anonymity and their argument, but this does not constitute an attack on their integrity.

e) The passage confuses two meanings of the term "anonymous."

This answer choice is incorrect because there is only one meaning of "anonymous" used in the passage, which is keeping one's identity hidden. There is no confusion regarding the term's meaning.

In summary, the correct answer is B, as the author's argument is flawed because it diverts attention from the content of the article by focusing on the writers' actions, rather than addressing the validity of their opinion on carrying identification cards.