LSAT 2 | Section 4 | Logical Reasoning: Q13

LR Question 13 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Alia: Hawthorne admits that he has influence with high…

QUESTION TYPE: Point at Issue

CONCLUSION: Alia believes that because Hawthorne engaged in a corrupt practice he therefore did something unethical.

Martha argues that since Hawthorne’s corruption had beneficial results it was not unethical.

ANALYSIS: Normally we consider selling influence (corruption) wrong in and of itself. Martha asks us to consider the consequences before judging Hawthorne’s action. This is their point of disagreement.

If Martha is correct Hawthorne enjoys the best of both worlds. He has gained money through corruption yet helped the public.

They disagree over whether Hawthorne’s behavior is unethical and whether we should consider the results of the corruption.

___________

1. Neither of them mentions the past, the future or the meaning of ethical behavior.
2. CORRECT. Martha thinks that since Hawthorne’s action produced a good result it should not be judged as unethical. Alia thinks Hawthorne’s actions were unethical no matter what the result was.
3. Both of them agree they can judge Hawthorne. They disagree on how he should be judged.
4. Neither of them defines unethical, in any circumstance.
5. Neither of them defines unethical or mentions philosophy or religion.

Recap: The question begins with “Alia: Hawthorne admits that he has influence with high”. It is a Point at Issue question. Learn how to master LSAT Point at Issue questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.