LSAT 43, Logical Reasoning I, Q20, LSATHacks

LR Question 20 Explanation, by LSATHacks

QUESTION TEXT: Social critic: One of the most important ways in which a society…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Moral socialization has increased the net amount of suffering.

ANALYSIS: This is a very weak argument. We have a benefit, “socialization”, and a detriment, “feelings of guilt.” We have nothing to let us know how good and how bad each is, or how frequently they occur. So there’s no way to know if this has increased or decreased the net amount of suffering.

___________

1. That’s a hypothetical situation. The social critic is discussing a past, actual situation (“has had a net effect”).
2. The stimulus is actually quite clear that socialization can cause guilt, whether or not they occur at the same time (“can lead to”).
3. The critic did not presume what we should do about it; they were simply making an analysis.
4. CORRECT. This is it. Socialization could make people feel guilty, once. Then many of them won’t act immorally again, and will suffer no further feelings of guilt. The social critic ignores this possibility.
5. The social critic did not make such a sweeping claim; they only said “many people” do have a negative reaction.

Recap: The question begins with “Social critic: One of the most important ways in which a society”. It is a Flawed Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Flaw questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.

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