LSAT Explanation PT 44, S4, Q22: Trainer: Research shows that when dogs

LSAT Question Stem

Of the following, which one is a criticism to which the reasoning in the trainer's argument is most vulnerable? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is a Flaw question, which asks us to identify a criticism or weakness in the reasoning of the trainer's argument.

Let's first summarize and analyze the argument in the passage. The argument can be structured as follows:

1. Premise: Research shows that when dogs are neutered in early puppyhood, their leg bones usually do not develop properly.

2. Premise: Improper bone development leads in turn to problems with arthritis as dogs grow older.

3. Conclusion: If you want to protect your dog from arthritis, you should not neuter your dog until it is full-grown.

The trainer's argument is based on the idea that neutering dogs early in puppyhood causes improper bone development, which in turn leads to arthritis. The trainer concludes that to protect dogs from arthritis, owners should wait until the dog is full-grown before neutering.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is there a specific time between early puppyhood and full-grown adulthood when neutering would not cause improper bone development or increase the risk of arthritis?"

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) The argument's strength does not rely on the exact percentage of dogs neutered in early puppyhood that experience improper bone development. The fact that there is a connection between early neutering and improper bone development is enough to support the conclusion. This choice does not describe a flaw.

b) The connection between improper bone development and arthritis is a premise of the argument, and the trainer does not need to explain the exact mechanism behind it. This choice incorrectly requires a premise that does not need to be established.

c) This is the correct answer choice. The argument jumps from the premise about "early puppyhood" to the conclusion about "full-grown" dogs without considering the possibility of neutering at a time between early puppyhood and full-grown adulthood. The argument fails to address the effects of neutering in middle or late puppyhood.

d) While this answer choice may seem tempting, it goes beyond the scope of the argument. The trainer's argument focuses on the risk of arthritis and does not address overall health or other potential benefits of early neutering. Ignoring overall health is not a flaw in this specific argument.

e) The argument focuses on reducing the risk of arthritis by avoiding improper bone development. Whether dogs with properly developed bones can still develop arthritis does not affect the strength of the argument, as it's about minimizing risk. Ignoring this possibility is not a flaw.