LSAT Explanation PT 39, S4, Q23: Editorial: Given the law of supply

LSAT Question Stem

The editorial's argument 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 D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The editorial states that maximum total utility is assured only in a pure free market economy, but other types of economies might also achieve it. The conclusion drawn is that a country with a highly controlled economy, which is not trying to bring about a pure free market economy, is not acting in the way most likely to bring about maximum total utility.

To simplify, consider this example: Imagine maximum total utility is like a perfectly cooked meal. A pure free market economy is like using a specific recipe that guarantees a perfectly cooked meal. However, other recipes might also achieve the same result. The argument claims that if a country is not using the specific recipe (pure free market economy), it is not acting in the most likely way to achieve a perfectly cooked meal.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument would be: "Is a highly controlled economy the only alternative to a pure free market economy?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and answer choices. This is a Flaw question, asking us to identify the vulnerability in the editorial's argument.

a) This answer choice is incorrect because the passage does not presume that any country without a pure free market economy has a highly controlled economy. The passage acknowledges that other types of economies might also achieve maximum total utility.

b) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not make any comparison between the importance of total utility and the way it is distributed.

c) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument actually considers the possibility that other types of economies might achieve maximum total utility.

d) This is the correct answer. The argument presumes, without providing justification, that trying to bring about a condition that will ensure the achievement of an end (a pure free market economy) must always be the way most likely to achieve that end (maximum total utility). The argument fails to consider that there might be other ways to achieve maximum total utility that are more likely, even if they don't guarantee it.

e) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument does not ignore the possibility of drawbacks in a pure free market economy. The focus of the argument is on the likelihood of achieving maximum total utility, not on weighing the benefits and drawbacks of different economic systems.

In conclusion, the correct answer is D, as it identifies the flaw in the argument: presuming that trying to bring about a condition that ensures an end must always be the way most likely to achieve that end, without providing justification.