LSAT 102 | Section 2 | Logical Reasoning: Q25

LR Question 25 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Jack’s aunt gave him her will, asking him to make it…

QUESTION TYPE: Principle – Sufficient Assumption

CONCLUSION: Jack decided it was correct not to make the will public.

REASONING: Jack promised to make the will public. But the money would be wasted if he did. If he kept the will secret, Jack’s mother would get the money and use it well.

ANALYSIS: Try and forget the obvious self-interest here. Assume Jack really is keeping everyone’s best interests in mind. We want to show he was correct to hide the will.

___________

1. Jack made a promise to his aunt, a family member. This principle means Jack should have made the will public.
2. We’re trying to say it was permissible for Jack to violate his promise. Also, we have no idea if anyone will find out.
3. Tempting, but we’re not told if George will be harmed by squandering the money.
4. CORRECT. If this is true, then Jack must let his mother get the money. She will use it to help others, while George will help no one.
5. This would allow Jack to do what he did. But we need to require him to do what he did.

Recap: The question begins with “Jack’s aunt gave him her will, asking him to make it”. It is a Principle question. Learn how to master LSAT Principle questions on the LSAT Logical Reasoning question types page.