LSAT Explanation PT 41, S1, Q14: Laila: Though lying may be unacceptable

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following judgments conforms most closely to the principle stated by Laila? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle (Misc) question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first understand Laila's principle from the passage: lying is generally unacceptable, but it becomes morally permissible when it brings more good than harm. In other words, if the benefits of lying outweigh the negative consequences, then lying is allowed. The question asks us to find the judgment that aligns most closely with this principle.

Think of it like a balance scale: if the good side (benefits) is heavier than the bad side (harms), then the lie is morally permissible according to Laila's principle.

Now let's analyze each answer choice:

a) This choice focuses on the action Marcus is going to do rather than the consequences of the lie itself. We can't determine if the lie brings more good than harm based on this information, so this choice doesn't align with Laila's principle.

b) In this scenario, it's unclear if lying about the friend's whereabouts brings more good than harm. We don't have enough information to determine if the lie aligns with Laila's principle, so this choice is incorrect.

c) This choice deals with the topic of the lie (anything affecting only yourself) rather than the consequences of the lie. We can't determine if the lie brings more good than harm based on this information, so this choice doesn't align with Laila's principle.

d) In this scenario, Debra's lie helps Thomas and does no harm. The good side (benefits) is heavier than the bad side (harms), so this lie aligns with Laila's principle, making this the correct answer choice.

e) This choice involves lying to innocent people for their benefit but may harm others. We can't determine if the lie brings more good than harm based on this information, as we don't know the extent of the benefit or harm. Thus, this choice doesn't align with Laila's principle.

In conclusion, answer choice (d) is the correct answer, as it provides a scenario where the lie brings more good than harm, aligning with Laila's principle.