LSAT Explanation PT 33, S3, Q5: The radiation absorbed by someone during

LSAT Question Stem

A flaw in the argument is its failure to consider that 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Flaw question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the argument in the passage. The argument structure is as follows:

Premise 1 (P1): The radiation absorbed during an ordinary commercial airline flight is no more dangerous than that received during an ordinary dental X-ray.

Premise 2 (P2): A dental X-ray does negligible harm to a person.

Conclusion: The radiation absorbed by members of commercial airline flight crews will also do them negligible harm.

The argument makes a comparison between the radiation absorbed during a commercial airline flight and a dental X-ray, and then concludes that since dental X-rays cause negligible harm, so does the radiation absorbed by flight crews.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "How often are flight crews exposed to radiation compared to a person receiving a dental X-ray?"

Now let's discuss the question type and the answer choices. The question type is a Flaw question, asking us to identify a failure in the argument's consideration.

a) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument is comparing the specific types of radiation absorbed during a commercial airline flight and a dental X-ray, not other forms of dangerous radiation.

b) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument is focused on the harm caused by radiation exposure, not any potential health benefits or risks associated with dental X-rays or flying.

c) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument is comparing the radiation absorbed during an ordinary commercial airline flight to that of an ordinary dental X-ray, not higher intensity X-rays.

d) This is the correct answer. The argument fails to consider that the frequency and duration of exposure to radiation can affect the harm caused. Flight crews are exposed to radiation more often than a person receiving a dental X-ray, which could result in more harm over time.

e) This answer choice is incorrect because the argument is specifically focused on the harm caused by radiation exposure, not other risks associated with flying at high altitudes.

In summary, the correct answer is D because the argument fails to consider that the longer and more often one is exposed to radiation, the more radiation one absorbs and the more seriously one is harmed. This is important to consider when comparing the harm caused by radiation exposure in commercial airline flights and dental X-rays.