LSAT 148 | Section 2 | Reading Comprehension: Q5

RC Question 5 Explanation

DISCUSSION: The author thinks Rawls is very clever (line 26), and that Rawls is ingenious (line 19). So, the author has a great respect for Rawls’ mind.

However, in lines 51-55, the author reveals that they dislike the effects Rawls’ theory would have if it were somehow put into practice. The author is wary of redistribution.

___________

1. Lines 51-55 aren’t neutral towards Rawls’ objectives. The author is wary of the redistribution Rawls’ theory would require.
2. I would expect never to see an LSAT passage that matched this answer. It’s just not LSAC’s style.
    
   Example of style: Rawls is such a smart, elite academic who knows soooooo much better than everyone else. The mighty, important Rawls thinks he can tell us what to do. And he has such fancy degrees, so we must surely listen to such a great man. Praise Rawls!
3. This is the opposite of the author’s views. They thought Rawls’ theory was cogent, but were skeptical of its recommendations. In lines 51-55 the author shows he is wary of the theory’s redistributive implications (i.e. recommendations.)
    
   And, cogency means being clear and logical. The author thinks Rawls’ method of describing his theory is brilliant. See line 19 (ingenious) and line 26 (clever).
4. Lines 51-55 show that the author dislikes the redistributive aims of Rawls’ theory. Meanwhile, the theory is obviously impractical. We aren’t going to create a whole new world and then transfer into it. It was a thought experiment.
5. CORRECT. The author literally says ingenuity (line 19), and lines 51-55 show that the author doesn’t like the redistributive implications of Rawls’ theory.