LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, does most to justify the apparently contradictory conclusion above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Paradox question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is A. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

First, let's analyze the passage. The author of the letter to the editor is arguing that allowing unrestricted free speech can actually inhibit some people from voicing their concerns. This may seem contradictory at first, since we usually think of free speech as enabling everyone to express their views. The question we are asked is a Paradox question, which means we're looking for an answer choice that helps resolve the apparent contradiction in the passage.

Now, let's go through the answer choices:

a) When free speech is unrestricted, many people will be shocked by the power of the views of others and thereby become afraid to voice their own concerns.

This answer choice resolves the contradiction by explaining that unrestricted free speech can lead to some people feeling intimidated by the power of others' views, which in turn makes them afraid to express their own concerns. This helps to explain how unrestricted free speech can actually inhibit free speech for some individuals. Thus, this is the correct answer.

b) When there is unrestricted free speech, there will be a greater number of diverse views expressed, but the views expressed will be potentially offensive to many people.

This answer choice does not resolve the contradiction because it only states that unrestricted free speech can lead to offensive views being expressed. It does not explain how this would inhibit people from voicing their concerns.

c) Since unrestricted free speech can be offensive, free speech should be restricted when the pain that it causes is great.

This answer choice is not helpful because it proposes a solution to the problem rather than explaining the apparent contradiction. We are not asked to find a solution or a reason to restrict free speech; we are asked to justify the author's conclusion.

d) Claiming that unrestricted free speech inhibits free speech is like claiming that increasing someone's salary makes the person poorer.

This answer choice is not helpful because it simply compares the author's argument to another seemingly contradictory statement, rather than explaining how the contradiction in the passage can be resolved.

e) When free speech is unrestricted, people offended by the views of others are likely to voice their disagreement, leading toward a resolution of conflict.

This answer choice actually suggests that unrestricted free speech encourages more speech, as people are likely to voice their disagreement when they are offended. This does not help resolve the contradiction in the passage, as it does not explain how unrestricted free speech can inhibit free speech for some individuals.

To summarize, answer choice A is the correct answer because it provides a clear explanation for how unrestricted free speech can lead to some people feeling afraid to voice their concerns, thus resolving the apparent contradiction in the passage.