LSAT 123 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q7

LR Question 7 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Ethicist: The most advanced kind of moral motivation…

QUESTION TYPE: Principle – Conform

PRINCIPLE: Highest form of moral motivation = abstract principles, only.

ANALYSIS: On principle questions, you must focus precisely on the principle itself. You’re looking for abstract principles. That’s it. An example of this question’s moral motivation would be “helping someone with their suitcase because you believe there is a duty to help strangers”. (Instead of, say, because you wanted to look good to others, or because you thought the stranger was attractive, or might reward you, or any other motivation)

The wrong answers often have self-interest or societal norms. This is pure distraction. To solve this, just look for abstract principles as motivation.

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1. Bobby’s motive is conforming to norms.
2. Wes is motivated by calculated self-interest: he wants his employer to like him.
3. Donna’s motive is calculated self-interest: she wants to avoid retaliation.
4. CORRECT. Jadine was motivated by an abstract principle: protecting the environment. She didn’t act for her own benefit or to conform to expectations.
5. Leigh did the right thing, but not for the highest reasons. Leigh reported the practice only because of social pressure.