LSAT Question Stem

The argument is most vulnerable to which one of the following criticisms? 

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 presents the following conditional statement: if a peripheral component like a mouse is unplugged from a computer, then all software programs that require that component become unusable. The passage then states that on Fred's computer, a software program that requires a mouse has become unusable. The conclusion drawn is that the mouse for Fred's computer must have become unplugged.

Here is the structure of the argument:

1. Premise (conditional): If a mouse is unplugged, then all software programs that require the mouse become unusable.

2. Premise: On Fred's computer, a software program that requires a mouse has become unusable.

3. Conclusion: The mouse for Fred's computer must have become unplugged.

The question type is a Flaw question, which asks us to identify the vulnerability in the argument. An appropriate "Evaluate" question for this argument would be: "Are there any other reasons why the software program might have become unusable?"

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) This answer choice suggests that the argument changes the meaning of "unusable" between the premises and the conclusion. However, the meaning of "unusable" remains consistent throughout the argument, so this choice is incorrect.

b) This is the correct answer. The argument treats an event that can cause a certain result (unplugging the mouse) as if it is the only event necessary to bring about that result (the software program becoming unusable). In other words, the argument assumes that there are no other possible reasons for the software program to become unusable, which is a flaw in the reasoning.

c) This answer choice claims that the argument introduces unrelated information as evidence. However, the information presented in the argument is relevant to the conclusion, so this choice is incorrect.

d) This answer choice suggests that the argument relies on a generalization that is too broad. However, the argument's flaw is not related to the scope of the generalization, but rather to the assumption that the event described is the only necessary cause for the result. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

e) This answer choice states that the argument overlooks the possibility that some programs do not require a peripheral component like a mouse. However, the argument is specifically about software programs that do require a mouse, so this possibility is not relevant to the argument's flaw. This choice is incorrect.

In summary, the correct answer is choice B, as it identifies the flaw in the argument: treating an event that can cause a certain result as though it is the only event necessary to bring about that result.