LSAT Explanation PT 32, S4, Q17: An antidote for chicken pox has

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, helps most to reconcile the apparent discrepancy indicated above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is E. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this passage, we learn that an antidote for chicken pox has been developed, but researchers warn that its widespread use could be dangerous, despite the drug having no serious side effects and being very effective at limiting the duration and severity of chicken pox. The question type is a Paradox, and we are asked to find the answer choice that helps reconcile the apparent discrepancy in the passage.

Let's analyze and summarize each answer choice:

a) The drug is extremely expensive and would be difficult to make widely available.

This answer choice explains why the drug might be difficult to use on a large scale, but it does not explain why its widespread use would be dangerous. Therefore, it doesn't help reconcile the discrepancy.

b) The drug has to be administered several times a day, so patient compliance is likely to be low.

This answer choice fails to explain how widespread use could be dangerous. Even if compliance would be low, that merely suggests we won't get the positive effects of the antidote, but it does not explain why there might be negative effects.

c) The drug does not prevent the spread of chicken pox from one person to another, even when the drug eventually cures the disease in the first person.

This answer choice describes one area that the antidote does not effectively address, but the overall effect of the antidote, according to this answer choice, could still be more good than bad.

d) When misused by taking larger-than-prescribed doses, the drug can be fatal.

This answer choice is tempting but incorrect because it does not relate a negative consequence of widespread use of the drug, but rather a negative consequence of isolated cases of misuse of the drug. The researchers claim that widespread use (not misuse) of the antidote could be dangerous.

e) Use of the drug contributes to the development of deadlier forms of chicken pox that are resistant to the drug.

This answer choice explains why widespread use of the antidote could be dangerous, even though it is effective at controlling chicken pox and has no known side effects.

The correct answer is E. It helps reconcile the discrepancy by explaining that the widespread use of the drug could lead to the development of deadlier forms of chicken pox that are resistant to the drug, thus making it dangerous despite its effectiveness in controlling chicken pox and having no known side effects.