LSAT Explanation PT 45, S1, Q7: An artificial hormone has recently been

LSAT Question Stem

The argument proceeds by 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Method of Reasoning question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The passage presents an argument against a proposal that requires milk labels to provide information about artificial substances used in milk production. The author concludes that this proposal should not be implemented because it would be incredibly difficult to list every artificial substance involved in producing milk, such as synthetic fertilizers and fungicides used for the cows' food. The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: Lawmakers propose milk labels to provide information about artificial substances used in milk production.

Conclusion: The proposal should not be implemented due to the difficulty of listing every artificial substance involved.

To make this more accessible, let's use a simple example: Imagine if a new rule required all restaurants to list every single ingredient used in the preparation of a dish, including the origin of each ingredient. This would be extremely difficult and impractical to implement, as it would require an extensive list for each dish.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices for this Method of Reasoning question:

a) The author does not propose an alternative course of action in the passage, so this answer choice is incorrect.

b) This is the correct answer choice. The author raises considerations (the difficulty of listing every artificial substance) to show that the proposal, if strictly implemented, would lead to absurd consequences.

c) The author does not provide specific examples of an alternative to the proposal, so this answer choice is incorrect.

d) This answer choice is incorrect because the author does not introduce an analogous case to show that a general implementation of the proposal would be impossible. The references to fertilizers and fungicides are not analogous cases but rather implications of the proposal regarding milk production.

e) The author does not question the motivation of those who made the proposal, so this answer choice is incorrect. Instead, the author focuses on the practical implications of the proposal.

In conclusion, the correct answer choice is (b), as the argument proceeds by raising considerations to show that the proposal being argued against, if strictly implemented, would lead to absurd consequences.