LSAT 128 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q22

LR Question 22 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Journal editor: Our treasurer advises that because of …

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: The journal should switch from a paper version to an online version.

REASONING: The treasurer advises switching only if it does not increase publication costs. Since a benefactor will cover the high conversion costs and online publication is cheaper per issue, the editor concludes they should switch.

ANALYSIS: The flaw is a mistaken reversal of a conditional statement. Try to see if you can catch it. It’s subtle, but it’s there.

The treasurer states that switching to an online version is acceptable only if it does not increase publication costs. This translates to:

Switch to online -> No increase in costs

However, the editor reverses this logic, assuming that since costs won’t increase, switching must happen:

No increase in costs -> Switch to online

This is a classic mistake of confusing a necessary condition (no increase in costs) for a sufficient condition. If the diagrams don’t help, here’s a breakdown:

• The treasurer is saying “We can only switch if costs don’t increase.” Meaning, if costs do increase, we cannot switch.
• The editor is saying “Because costs won’t increase, we should switch.”

But the treasurer never said that avoiding cost increases automatically justifies switching – it’s just one requirement that must be met. There could be other factors that matter in the decision. So while it’s necessary for a switch, it’s not sufficient to bring about the switch.

___________

1. CORRECT. See the breakdown above.
2. The argument never claimed that publishing a paper version caused the financial problems.
3. We’re focused on the cost aspect here. Other pros and cons may very well be relevant, but that’s out of scope for this specific argument.
4. The editor never assumed that switching formats would solve all financial struggles, only that it met the treasurer’s condition.
5. The treasurer is giving financial advice, which is reasonably within their expertise, so this is not an issue of relying on an unqualified authority.