LSAT Explanation PT 34, S2, Q18: Editorialist: The positions advanced by radical

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the editorialist's argument? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The editorialist is discussing the role of radical environmentalists in creating progress on environmental issues. The argument has the following structure:

Premise: The positions advanced by radical environmentalists often contain false hypotheses and economically infeasible proposals.

Premise: Social and political inertia on environmental issues is stubborn.

Premise: Small areas of progress can be made only if the populace fears environmental disaster.

Conclusion: There is a positive role to be played even by these extremists (radical environmentalists).

Now, let's briefly discuss the question type and what it's asking us to do. This is a Main Conclusion question, which means we need to identify the answer choice that most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the editorialist's argument.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) The little progress that has been made in improving the environment is mainly due to the fear created by radical environmentalists.

- This answer choice is close, but it's not the main conclusion. It's more like a restatement of the premise that progress can be made only if the populace fears environmental disaster.

b) Radical environmentalists, by promoting their views, stimulate progress on environmental issues.

- This answer choice accurately captures the main conclusion of the editorialist's argument, which is that there is a positive role to be played by radical environmentalists in creating progress on environmental issues. This is the correct answer.

c) Social and political inertia is most effectively overcome by an extremely fearful populace, regardless of whether its fears are well-founded.

- This answer choice focuses on the mechanism by which progress is made (fearful populace), but it doesn't address the main conclusion about the positive role of radical environmentalists.

d) Radical environmentalists often put forth untenable positions in order to produce the fear that is required to bring about moderate reforms.

- This answer choice incorrectly assumes that the motivation of radical environmentalists is to produce fear for moderate reforms. The passage doesn't discuss the motivation of the environmentalists, only the effect of their actions.

e) Radical environmentalists advocate positions without regard for factual support or economic feasibility.

- This answer choice simply restates one of the premises about the positions advanced by radical environmentalists. It doesn't address the main conclusion about their positive role.

In conclusion, the correct answer is B, as it most accurately expresses the main conclusion of the editorialist's argument, which is that radical environmentalists play a positive role in stimulating progress on environmental issues.