LSAT 6 | Section 3 | Logical Reasoning: Q20

LR Question 20 Explanation

QUESTION TEXT: Psychotherapy has been descrbed as a form of moral…

QUESTION TYPE: Flawed Reasoning

CONCLUSION: Psychotherapy cannot possibly be a form of coercion.

REASONING: When people are coerced, their have less ability to make choices. The goal of psychotherapy is to increase people’s ability to make choices.

ANALYSIS: There is often a difference between the goals of our actions and the actual effect of our actions. If good intentions were enough then the world would be a much better place.

___________

1. The first sentence describes psychotherapy as a form of coercion, and the conclusion says that it isn’t. The opposing argument is presented fairly and then disagreed with.
2. The argument is defending psychotherapy, not criticizing it.
3. CORRECT. Yes. The actual effects of psychotherapy might be harmful even if intentions are good.
4. The stimulus actually tells us nothing about the means of psychotherapy (what it is, how it is used, etc.)
5. It doesn’t have to, since it argues that moral coercion is not a result of psychotherapy.

Recap: The question begins with “Psychotherapy has been descrbed as a form of moral”. It is a Flawed Reasoning question. Learn more about LSAT Flaw questions in our guide to LSAT Logical Reasoning question types.