LSAT Explanation PT 43, S3, Q25: Wealth is not a good thing,

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following arguments is most similar in its pattern of reasoning to the argument above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Parallel question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This is a Parallel Reasoning question, which asks us to identify the answer choice that has a similar pattern of reasoning as the argument provided in the passage. Let's first break down the passage's argument:

Passage Argument:

1. Good things cause no harm at all.

2. Wealth is often harmful to people.

Conclusion: Wealth is not a good thing.

In formal logic notation:

1. GT -> /H (Good things do not cause harm)

2. W -> H (Wealth causes harm)

Conclusion: /GT (Wealth is not a good thing)

Now let's analyze each answer choice:

a) Alex loves to golf, and no one in the chess club loves to golf. It follows that Alex is not in the chess club.

This answer choice has a similar pattern of reasoning as the passage argument:

1. Alex loves to golf.

2. No one in the chess club loves to golf.

Conclusion: Alex is not in the chess club.

In formal logic notation:

1. A -> LG (Alex loves to golf)

2. CC -> /LG (Chess club members do not love to golf)

Conclusion: A -> /CC (Alex is not in the chess club)

This answer choice correctly parallels the reasoning in the passage. Therefore, (a) is the correct answer.

b) Isabella must be a contented baby. She smiles a great deal and hardly ever cries, like all happy people.

This answer choice does not follow the same pattern of reasoning as the passage argument. The conclusion is based on shared characteristics, but it does not make an additive inference from logical premises. Therefore, (b) is incorrect.

c) Growth in industry is not a good thing for our town. Although the economy might improve, the pollution would be unbearable.

This answer choice does not follow the same pattern of reasoning as the passage argument. The conclusion is based on a cost-benefit analysis rather than an additive inference from logical premises. Therefore, (c) is incorrect.

d) Sarah's dog is not a dachshund, for he hunts very well, and most dachshunds hunt poorly.

This answer choice is not a correct parallel because it is logically invalid. The fact that Sarah's dog hunts well does not necessarily mean that it cannot be a dachshund since there could be exceptions. Therefore, (d) is incorrect.

e) There is usually more traffic at this time of day, unless it is a holiday. But since today is not a holiday, it is surprising that there is so little traffic.

This answer choice does not follow the same pattern of reasoning as the passage argument. The conclusion is essentially a restatement of the premises, and it does not make an additive inference from logical premises. Therefore, (e) is incorrect.

In conclusion, answer choice (a) is the correct answer as it follows the same pattern of reasoning as the passage argument.