LSAT Explanation PT 45, S4, Q2: A factory spokesperson argued that the
LSAT Question Stem
Which one of the following arguments most closely conforms to the principle underlying the reasoning in the spokesperson's argument?
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Principle (Misc) question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is B.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
The question type for this problem is Must Be True (MBT), and it asks us to identify the answer choice that most closely conforms to the principle underlying the reasoning in the spokesperson's argument.
In the passage, the factory spokesperson argues that the factory should not be responsible for cleaning up the water pollution in the nearby wetlands. The spokesperson's reasoning is that the factory's wastewater disposal is handled by an independent contractor, and therefore the factory is not to blame for the pollution. The principle underlying this reasoning can be summarized as: "We are not to blame since we didn't actually do it," or "Let's pass the buck."
Now, let's examine each answer choice:
Answer choice (A): This response suggests that parents have a responsibility or interest in checking the qualifications of their children's teachers. This idea is contrary to the reasoning in the passage, which is about not being held responsible for the actions of others.
Answer choice (B): This is the correct answer choice. This response is based on the principle that people should not be held responsible for the independent actions of others, which is similar to the reasoning in the passage. Although there is a similar flaw in this response as in the passage (parents have had influence over their children and can take action to insist on proper behavior), it best reflects the principle underlying the spokesperson's argument.
Answer choice (C): This response attempts to absolve students of a responsibility for reading material not covered in class. However, it does not involve blaming someone else, which is a critical part of the principle in the passage. Therefore, this response is not satisfactory.
Answer choice (D): This response is about limiting someone's activity (the appointee's participation in the selection process) due to a conflict of interest. It does not fit the principle of "we are not to blame since we didn't actually do it" and is therefore not the correct choice.
Answer choice (E): This response is unrelated to the principle of not being blamed for another's actions. Instead, it seems to better characterize a principle such as "when there is evidence to the contrary, I will be skeptical." This answer choice does not reflect the reasoning in the passage and is not the correct choice.