LSAT 112 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q18

LR Question 18 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: It is said that people should accept themselves as they…

QUESTION TYPE: Necessary Assumption

CONCLUSION: If everyone accepts themselves as they are (and isn’t dissatisfied with him or herself) then society is unlikely to be happy.

REASONING: No one can truly be happy unless they are pursuing excellence and personal change.

ANALYSIS: This question follows a very standard necessary assumption procedure: They introduce two terms that “feel” the same, but aren’t. The argument assumes they are linked. Here the two terms are “pursuing excellence” and “being dissatisfied”. The argument is implying you won’t pursue excellence unless you’re dissatisfied.

___________

1. It isn’t necessary. It’s only necessary that no one can be happy if they aren’t willing to change.
2. CORRECT. If people who are satisfied with themselves are just as likely to pursue excellence then they could still be happy. There wouldn’t be any need to avoid accepting yourself.
3. This would weaken the argument. It’s arguing that dissatisfaction increases the odds of finding excellence.
4. The argument seems to be saying that we should never be content with our abilities if we want to be happy. This weakens it.
5. The stimulus doesn’t even mention something being painful to obtain. This is irrelevant. This answer choice plays on outside assumptions that being dissatisfied is painful.