LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following principles, if valid, most helps to justify the reasoning above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Principle question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that attacks on an opponent's character should be avoided in political debates because they do not confront the opponent's argument and instead cast doubt on the opponent's moral right to be in the debate. The premise is that character attacks do not confront the opponent's argument, and the conclusion is that they should be avoided in political debates.

To make this concept more understandable, imagine a debate about the best ice cream flavor. One debater argues that chocolate is the best flavor, while the other debater attacks the first debater's character, saying they have no taste in ice cream. This attack doesn't address the actual argument about chocolate being the best flavor and instead tries to discredit the person making the argument.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument would be: "Do character attacks in political debates always fail to address the opponent's argument?"

Now, let's discuss the question type and answer choices. This is a Principle question, asking us to identify the principle that most helps to justify the reasoning in the passage.

a) This answer choice suggests that character attacks stem from an inability to confront the opponent's argument properly. While this may be true, it doesn't directly justify the conclusion that character attacks should be avoided in political debates.

b) This answer choice focuses on the audience's reaction, which is irrelevant to the reasoning in the passage about why character attacks should be avoided.

c) This answer choice states that debating techniques that do not confront every argument should be avoided. Since the passage's premise is that character attacks do not confront the opponent's argument, this principle aligns with the conclusion that character attacks should be avoided in political debates. This is the correct answer.

d) This answer choice addresses the moral right of the person making the character attack, which is a reversal of the passage's premise and not relevant to the conclusion.

e) This answer choice suggests that character questions should be raised if relevant to the opponent's argument. However, this doesn't help justify the conclusion that character attacks should be avoided in political debates.

In summary, answer choice C is the correct answer because it provides a principle that aligns with the passage's premise and helps justify the conclusion that character attacks should be avoided in political debates.