LSAT Explanation PT 44, S2, Q16: Sociologist: Some economists hold that unregulated
LSAT Question Stem
Which one of the following most accurately expresses the conclusion drawn by the sociologist?
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Main Conclusion question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is E.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
This LSAT problem presents a passage where the sociologist discusses the difference between private consumers and public citizens in the context of unregulated markets and democratic sovereignty. The question type for this problem is Main Conclusion, and it asks us to identify the conclusion drawn by the sociologist.
Before diving into the answer choices, let's prephrase the conclusion: supporters of political democracy can also support marketplace regulation. This conclusion is based on the premise that private consumers and public citizens have different decision-making criteria - private consumers focus on self-interest, while public citizens consider what is best for society.
Now let's examine the answer choices:
Answer choice (A): This choice implies that voters see themselves as part of a community rather than isolated individuals. Although this may be inferred from the stimulus, it is not the conclusion itself. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): This choice states that unregulated markets are incompatible with democratic sovereignty. However, the author's conclusion is that regulated markets are compatible with democratic sovereignty, not that unregulated markets are incompatible. This answer choice is essentially a Mistaken Negation and is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): This choice reflects the belief of "some economists," which the author critiques in the passage. As it represents a position the author disagrees with, this choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This choice focuses on the premise that private consumers are primarily concerned with their own self-interest. Although this is a premise used to support the conclusion, it is not the conclusion itself, so this answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer choice, as it accurately rephrases the conclusion found at the end of the passage. It states that opposition to unregulated markets is consistent with support for democracy, which is in line with the sociologist's argument that supporters of political democracy can also support marketplace regulation.