LSAT Explanation PT 42, S2, Q13: Sherrie: Scientists now agree that nicotine

LSAT Question Stem

The dialogue above lends the most support to the claim that Sherrie and Fran disagree with each other about which one of the following statements? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is Point at Issue, which means we need to identify the statement that Sherrie and Fran disagree on.

Let's analyze the passage. Sherrie makes the argument that since nicotine is addictive and causes withdrawal symptoms, it should be treated like other dangerous drugs, and governments should restrict its manufacture and sale. This is her conclusion, and her premise is that nicotine is addictive.

Fran counters Sherrie's argument by pointing out that other commonly consumed products, such as coffee and soft drinks with caffeine, are also addictive. However, Fran believes that the manufacture and sale of these products should not be restricted. This implies that Fran disagrees with Sherrie's conclusion that addictive substances warrant government regulation.

Now, let's discuss the answer choices:

a) The manufacture and sale of all drugs should be regulated by governments: Sherrie agrees with this statement for dangerous drugs, but we don't know Fran's opinion on all drugs. So, we cannot conclude that they disagree on this statement.

b) Coffee and soft drinks that contain caffeine should not be regulated by governments: Fran agrees with this statement, but Sherrie doesn't comment on it. So, we cannot conclude that they disagree on this statement either.

c) Agreement by scientists that a substance is addictive justifies government restrictions on products containing that substance: This is the correct answer choice. Sherrie believes that an addictive substance justifies government regulation, while Fran disagrees, pointing to other addictive substances like coffee and soft drinks that should not be regulated.

d) Scientists are not proper authorities with respect to the question of whether a given substance is addictive: Neither Sherrie nor Fran discuss this point, so we cannot conclude that they disagree on this statement.

e) Scientists and governments have a duty to cooperate in regulating drugs to protect public health: Again, neither Sherrie nor Fran discuss this point, so we cannot conclude that they disagree on this statement.

In conclusion, the statement that Sherrie and Fran disagree on is (c) Agreement by scientists that a substance is addictive justifies government restrictions on products containing that substance.