LSAT Explanation PT 24, S2, Q1: Press release: A comprehensive review evaluating

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following points to a weakness in the reasoning in the press release's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage claims that a comprehensive review of medical studies has found no reason to believe that drinking coffee in normal amounts harms the coffee-drinker's heart. Based on this finding, the passage concludes that it is safe to drink coffee.

The structure of the argument is as follows:

Premise: A comprehensive review evaluating medical studies found no reason to think that drinking coffee in normal amounts harms the coffee-drinker's heart.

Conclusion: It is safe to drink coffee.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Does the absence of harm to the heart mean that coffee is safe for overall health?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and answer choices. This is a Flaw question, asking us to identify the weakness in the reasoning of the passage's argument.

a) This answer choice argues that the review was only an evaluation of studies and did not itself study patients. However, this does not necessarily point to a weakness in the reasoning, as the review still evaluated existing studies on the topic.

b) This answer choice correctly points out that the health of the heart is not identical with the general health of the body. This highlights the flaw in the passage's reasoning, as it assumes that since coffee does not harm the heart, it is safe to drink. However, the passage does not consider other aspects of overall health that may be affected by coffee consumption.

c) This answer choice suggests that coffee drinkers might choose to eat foods containing substances that harm the heart along with their coffee. Although this may be true, it does not directly address the passage's reasoning about the safety of coffee itself.

d) This answer choice states that other beverages besides coffee might contain stimulants that have some effect on the heart. While this may be true, it is not relevant to the passage's reasoning about the safety of coffee.

e) This answer choice claims that drinking unusually large amounts of coffee could be caused by stress that itself directly harms the heart. However, this does not point to a weakness in the passage's reasoning about the safety of coffee in normal amounts.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it identifies the flaw in the passage's reasoning by pointing out that the health of the heart is not identical with the general health of the body. This means that even if coffee does not harm the heart, it may still have negative effects on other aspects of overall health, which the passage fails to consider.