LSAT Explanation PT 45, S1, Q1: The obsession of economists with consumption

LSAT Question Stem

The author is arguing that 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This problem is a Main Point question, which means we need to identify the primary conclusion the author is making in the passage. The passage criticizes economists for focusing too much on consumption as a measure of economic well-being, arguing that this obsession has prevented a true understanding of what economic well-being actually is. The author also provides examples to support this claim, suggesting that satisfaction should be considered as a necessary measure of economic well-being.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

Answer choice (A): This is the correct answer choice. The main point of the passage is that economic well-being cannot be defined solely by consumption, as the focus on consumption prevents a true understanding of economic well-being.

Answer choice (B): This answer choice is not supported by the passage. While the passage does mention that we get very little satisfaction from certain aspects of consumption, it does not suggest that satisfaction is possible without consumption.

Answer choice (C): This answer choice is not supported by the passage either. The author criticizes the focus on consumption as a measure of economic well-being, but does not suggest that valid measures of consumption cannot be devised.

Answer choice (D): This answer choice is not the main point of the passage. The examples of clothing, vehicles, and gasoline are used to support the argument that consumption alone does not capture all aspects of economic well-being. The passage does not discuss the idea of modern products being designed for early obsolescence.

Answer choice (E): This answer choice can be eliminated because it refers to the premise rather than the conclusion of the passage. Furthermore, the passage does not suggest that satisfaction alone is an adequate measure of economic well-being. While the author implies that satisfaction should be a necessary measure of economic well-being, it is not clear that satisfaction alone would be sufficient.