LSAT Explanation PT 36, S3, Q23: A newspaper article on Britain's unions

LSAT Question Stem

The argument criticizing the newspaper article is directed toward establishing which one of the following as its main conclusion? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Main Conclusion question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is C. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

This LSAT problem is a Main Conclusion question, which asks us to identify the main conclusion of the argument presented in the passage. The passage criticizes a newspaper article that claims the strength of Britain's unions is declining based on the decreasing number and size of strikes. The passage argues that strong unions do not need to call strikes and can instead focus on working with others in the labor market to achieve common goals.

Now, let's analyze the answer choices:

a) The negotiating position of a union is weak if the only means it has of achieving its end is a strike or the threat of a strike.

This answer choice is a premise of the argument, not the main conclusion. While the passage does suggest that strikes are evidence of weakness on the part of the unions, this observation is used to support the conclusion that the newspaper article is wrong in suggesting that Britain's unions are weak.

b) Although unions represent the interests of their members, that does not preclude them from having interests in common with other participants in the labor market.

This answer choice is not supported by the information in the passage and is not the main conclusion. The passage does not discuss whether unions have interests in common with other participants in the labor market.

c) There is no reason to believe, on the basis of what the newspaper article said, that union strength in Britain is declining.

This answer choice accurately captures the main conclusion of the argument. The passage argues that the newspaper article is wrong in claiming that the strength of Britain's unions is declining based on the decreasing number of strikes. The passage suggests that strong unions do not need to call strikes and can instead focus on working with others in the labor market. Therefore, this answer choice is correct.

d) The reason for unions' existence is to work for goals such as profitable and humane working conditions by organizing strikes.

This answer choice is incorrect because it misrepresents the passage's argument. The passage argues that strong unions do not need to call strikes and can instead focus on working with others in the labor market to achieve common goals.

e) With strong unions it is possible for a modern industrial society to achieve profitable and humane working conditions, but without them it would be impossible.

This answer choice is not supported by the information in the passage and is not the main conclusion. The passage does not discuss whether it would be impossible for a modern industrial society to achieve profitable and humane working conditions without strong unions.

In conclusion, the correct answer to this Main Conclusion question is (c): There is no reason to believe, on the basis of what the newspaper article said, that union strength in Britain is declining.