LSAT Explanation PT 44, S4, Q10: Council member P: Alarmists are those

LSAT Question Stem

Council members P and Q disagree over whether 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's summarize and analyze the argument in the passage. Council member P believes that alarmists exaggerate the significance of a single instance of pollution and fail to distinguish it from the general disposition of people not to pollute. Council member Q, on the other hand, argues that thinking there is a lot of pollution based on a single instance is simply an application of the principle that actions tend to follow the path of least resistance, and it is easier to pollute than not to pollute. The main disagreement between P and Q is whether people are inclined to pollute or not.

The question type for this problem is Point at Issue, and we are asked to identify the fundamental disagreement between council members P and Q.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) Pollution should be considered a problem: Both council members might agree that pollution is a problem, but they disagree on the inclination of people to pollute. This answer choice doesn't capture their main disagreement.

b) Actions tend to follow the path of least resistance: Council member P doesn't necessarily disagree with this statement. They could accept that people follow the easiest path but argue that it is easier not to pollute. This answer choice doesn't reflect their disagreement either.

c) People are responsible for pollution: Both council members might agree that people are responsible for pollution, so this choice doesn't represent their disagreement.

d) People can change their behavior and not pollute: The passage doesn't provide any information about the council members' beliefs regarding people's ability to change their behavior. This answer choice isn't relevant to their disagreement.

e) People are inclined to pollute: This is the correct answer choice. It reflects the core disagreement between council members P and Q. Council member P believes that people have a general disposition not to pollute, while council member Q argues that people are inclined to pollute because it's easier.

In conclusion, the correct answer is (e) People are inclined to pollute, as it represents the fundamental disagreement between council members P and Q in the passage.