LSAT Explanation PT 38, S1, Q1: Physician: In itself, exercise does not

LSAT Question Stem

The conclusion drawn by the physician follows logically if which one of the following is assumed? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Sufficient Assumption question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

In this passage, the physician is presenting an argument about the relationship between exercise and heart attacks, specifically in the context of a new health program at a company. Let's break down the argument and identify its structure:

Premise 1: Exercise does not cause heart attacks; a sudden increase in an exercise regimen can be a cause.

Premise 2: When people of any physical condition suddenly increase their amount of exercise, they also increase their risk of heart attack.

Conclusion: There will be an increased risk of heart attack among employees of this company due to the new health program.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Does the new health program involve a sudden increase in the amount of exercise for the employees?"

The question type for this problem is Sufficient Assumption, which means we are looking for an answer choice that, if assumed, would make the conclusion logically follow from the premises.

Now, let's discuss each answer choice:

a) Employees will abruptly increase their amount of exercise as a result of the new health program.

This answer choice provides the missing link between the new health program and the increased risk of heart attack. If we assume that employees will suddenly increase their exercise due to the new program, it directly connects to Premise 2, making the conclusion logically follow. This is the correct answer.

b) The exercises involved in the new health program are more strenuous than those in the previous health program.

While this answer choice might seem relevant, it doesn't specifically address the "sudden increase" in exercise, which is the key factor mentioned in Premise 2. So, even if the exercises are more strenuous, it doesn't guarantee that the risk of heart attack will increase.

c) The new health program will force employees of all levels of health to exercise regularly.

This answer choice doesn't address the "sudden increase" in exercise, which is the crucial factor for increasing the risk of heart attack. Regular exercise doesn't necessarily imply a sudden increase, so this choice doesn't make the conclusion logically follow.

d) The new health program constitutes a sudden change in the company's policy.

This answer choice focuses on the company's policy, not the employees' exercise habits. A sudden change in policy doesn't necessarily imply a sudden increase in exercise, so it doesn't make the conclusion logically follow.

e) All employees, no matter what their physical condition, will participate in the new health program.

Even if all employees participate in the new health program, this answer choice doesn't address the "sudden increase" in exercise, which is the key factor for increasing the risk of heart attack. Participation in the program doesn't necessarily mean a sudden increase in exercise, so this choice doesn't make the conclusion logically follow.

In conclusion, the correct answer is A, as it provides the missing assumption necessary for the conclusion to logically follow from the premises.