LSAT Explanation PT 44, S4, Q18: Philosopher: The rational pursuit of happiness

LSAT Question Stem

If all of the philosopher's statements are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT: 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Must Be False question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This LSAT problem is a "Cannot Be True" question, which asks us to determine which answer choice cannot be true based on the philosopher's statements in the passage.

The philosopher's main point is that the rational pursuit of happiness is different from always doing what one most strongly desires. This is because the rational pursuit of happiness must consider long-term consequences, while desires are usually focused on the short term and can sometimes be compulsions that don't bring happiness even when their goals are achieved.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) The majority of people do not have compulsions.

We cannot infer anything about whether the majority of people experience compulsions from the philosopher's statements. Since we cannot rule it out as a possibility, this answer choice could be true.

b) Attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness.

This is the correct answer choice. The philosopher specifically states that desires can sometimes be compulsions, and attaining the goal of compulsions never leads to happiness. This contradicts the claim that attaining the goal of any desire results in momentary happiness, so this answer choice cannot be true.

c) Most people do not pursue happiness rationally.

The stimulus only discusses the rational pursuit of happiness, not the portion of people who engage in it. We have no insight into whether or not this represents a majority, so this answer choice could be true.

d) Most people want more than their own personal happiness.

There is no information in the stimulus to suggest whether people want more than personal happiness, so this answer choice could be true.

e) All actions have long-term consequences.

The philosopher's argument is entirely consistent with all actions having some long-term consequences, so this answer choice could be true.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (B) because it is the only one that cannot be true based on the philosopher's statements in the passage.