LSAT Explanation PT 30, S4, Q1: A government ought to protect and

LSAT Question Stem

The main conclusion above follows logically if which one of the following is assumed? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The passage presents the following argument:

Premise: Free speech is an activity that is conducive to a healthy nation.

Intermediate Conclusion: Free speech is in the best interest of its people.

Main Conclusion: A government ought to protect and encourage free speech.

The question type is a Sufficient Assumption question, which asks us to find an assumption that, if true, would guarantee the truth of the argument's main conclusion.

Now, let's consider an "Evaluate" question for this argument: "Is there a connection between what is in the best interest of the people and what a government ought to do?"

Let's discuss each answer choice:

a) An activity that is in the best interest of the people ought to be protected and encouraged by a nation's government.

This answer choice provides the missing link between the intermediate conclusion (free speech is in the best interest of the people) and the main conclusion (a government ought to protect and encourage free speech). By assuming that activities in the best interest of the people should be protected and encouraged by the government, the argument's main conclusion logically follows. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

b) Basic, inalienable rights of the people ought to be protected and encouraged by government.

This answer choice is incorrect because it does not establish a connection between free speech being in the best interest of the people and the government's obligation to protect and encourage it. Additionally, "basic, inalienable rights" is a different concept than "free speech," making this choice out of scope.

c) An activity that helps a government to govern ought to be protected and encouraged by it.

This answer choice is out of scope because it focuses on activities that help a government to govern, which is not discussed in the argument.

d) A government ought to protect and encourage an activity that is conducive to the interests of that government.

This answer choice is also out of scope because it focuses on the interests of the government, rather than the interests of the people, as discussed in the argument.

e) Universal human rights that are in the best interest of the people ought to be protected and encouraged by a nation's government.

This answer choice is incorrect because it does not specifically connect free speech to the government's obligation to protect and encourage it. "Universal human rights" and "free speech" are distinct concepts, so this choice does not provide the necessary link.

In summary, the correct answer is choice A, as it provides the necessary assumption to guarantee the truth of the argument's main conclusion.