LSAT 134 | Section 4 | Reading Comprehension: Q3

RC Question 3 Explanation

DISCUSSION: The rational model says that we’ll go after things that help us and avoid things that hurt us. So if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, a decision is rational.

___________

1. This helps the waiter, and he doesn’t face much risk. Sounds like a smart move.
2. It sounds like a good idea not to speed. There’s little benefit to speeding, and a high risk.
3. The industrialist isn’t being a very good citizen, but he is acting rationally. He’s financially better off paying the fine than cleaning up the pollution.
4. The official’s situation isn’t as clear as the situations in A-C. We’re not told whether the benefit of the bribes outweighs the risk of prosecution. But at least there is a benefit, unlike answer choice E.
5. CORRECT. The worker doesn’t get any long term benefit from assaulting his supervisor and he risks going to jail. It’s a dumb move.