LSAT Explanation PT 43, S2, Q15: Kendrick: Governments that try to prevent

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent conflict between Kendrick's statements? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage to understand the paradox presented. Kendrick argues that governments are justified in trying to prevent cigarette advertisements since they encourage unhealthy practices. However, he also states that cigarette advertisements should remain legal because advertisements for fatty foods, which also promote unhealthy practices, are legal. The paradox here is that Kendrick seems to support both preventing cigarette advertisements and allowing them to remain legal.

The question type for this problem is a Paradox question. Our task is to find an answer choice that helps to resolve the apparent conflict between Kendrick's statements.

Now, let's evaluate each answer choice:

a) This answer choice supports the idea of making advertisements that encourage unhealthy practices illegal, which aligns with Kendrick's first statement. However, it directly contradicts his second statement that cigarette advertisements should remain legal. Therefore, this choice doesn't resolve the paradox.

b) This answer choice provides a reason why the advertisement of fattening foods should not be prevented, but it doesn't address the paradox of how to prevent cigarette advertisements while still keeping them legal. It only restates Kendrick's belief that cigarette advertisements should be prevented.

c) This answer choice suggests that most advertisements should be legal and that advertisers should be responsible for discouraging unhealthy practices. However, it doesn't explain how the government can prevent cigarette advertisements without making them illegal, which is necessary to resolve the paradox.

d) This answer choice resolves the paradox by suggesting that governments can use financial disincentives to prevent cigarette advertisements without making them illegal. In this way, governments can try to prevent cigarette advertisements while still allowing them to remain legal, as Kendrick argues.

e) At first glance, this answer choice seems promising as it suggests placing restrictions on cigarette advertisements without making them illegal. However, it also states that the government "should not try to prevent such advertisements," which contradicts Kendrick's first statement. Since this choice contradicts one of the premises in the passage, it doesn't resolve the paradox.

In conclusion, answer choice (d) best resolves the paradox presented in the passage. By using financial disincentives, governments can attempt to prevent cigarette advertisements while still allowing them to remain legal, as Kendrick argues.