RC Question 5 Explanation, by LSATHacks
DISCUSSION: The passage starts with a debate between legal scholars. Then utility maximization theory is used to settle the debate: it turns out both sides actually agree.
___________
- CORRECT. The general principle (utility maximization theory) shows that the two sides actually agree.
- Close, but utility maximization theory proves that both sides have a point. Punishment does help deter crime, and opportunity does help persuade people that crime isn’t worth it.
- Discredit? Utility maximization theory shows that both sides have a point (55-60).
- The LSAC is hoping that “instantiated” will confuse you and slow you down. You don’t need to know what it is (I had to look it up). All you have to know is that this answer choice says the general principle comes first. In the passage it only comes in the second paragraph.
- Same as D. The general principle (utility maximization) comes in the second paragraph of the passage, not at the start. And while the two sides are different, the general principle is used to bring them together.
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My problem with a) is that it says “general principle”; I really thought that maximum utility was a specific principle (from economics).
A general principle is just a law, truth, or rule that we can apply to most, if not all, cases. So, utility maximization is a
general principle in the sense that it holds for rational actors (lines 35-40).
We can say, then, that it’s both a specific principle from economics (though not specific to economics, as we also find it in fields like philosophy), as well as a general principle.