LSAT Explanation PT 41, S1, Q17: Sharon, a noted collector of fine

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following principles, if established, most helps to justify Sharon's position? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. Sharon, a collector of fine glass, finds a rare glass vase worth $1,000 at a secondhand store for only $10. She buys the vase without informing the storekeeper of its true value. Later, when the storekeeper accuses Sharon of taking advantage of him, she claims she did nothing wrong. The structure of the argument can be broken down as follows:

Premise: Sharon buys a vase worth $1,000 for $10 without informing the storekeeper of its true value.

Conclusion: Sharon believes she did nothing wrong.

To make this concept more accessible, let's use a simple example: Imagine you find a $100 bill on the ground at a yard sale, but the owner is selling it for only $1. You buy the $100 bill for $1 without telling the owner its true value. Later, when the owner finds out, you argue that you didn't do anything wrong.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is it the buyer's responsibility to inform the seller of the true value of an item?"

Now, let's discuss the answer choices for the Principle question, which asks us to identify the principle that most helps justify Sharon's position.

a) This answer choice focuses on the seller's obligations, not the buyer's. Since we are concerned with Sharon's actions as a buyer, this doesn't apply to the situation and is incorrect.

b) This answer choice addresses whether Sharon paid the storekeeper the asking price, which she did. However, it doesn't address the issue of whether she took advantage of him by not disclosing the item's true value, so it is incorrect.

c) This answer choice is correct. It states that a buyer's only obligation is to pay the seller's asking price for an item. If this principle is true, then Sharon is justified in not disclosing the true value of the vase to the storekeeper.

d) This answer choice focuses on the buyer's responsibility regarding the quality of an item, not the discrepancy between the asking price and the item's true value. Since it doesn't address the defensibility of Sharon's position, it is incorrect.

e) There is no indication that Sharon and the storekeeper were well acquainted, so this principle cannot be applied to the situation. If they were well acquainted, Sharon's position would be weakened. This answer choice is incorrect.