LSAT Question Stem

The reasoning in the argument is flawed because the argument fails to take into account 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 passage presents the following structure:

1. Premise: In order to maintain a high standard of living, a nation must maintain a functioning infrastructure.

2. Premise: Major investment in the improvement of its infrastructure will, over time, reward a nation with a corresponding rise in its standard of living.

3. Conclusion: A nation whose standard of living is on the rise can be safely assumed to be a nation that has invested heavily in improving its infrastructure.

The argument assumes that a rise in a nation's standard of living must be the result of major investments in its infrastructure. To illustrate this with a simple example, imagine a person who wants to lose weight. The passage would be like saying that in order to lose weight, a person must exercise, and if a person does lose weight, we can safely assume they have been exercising. However, there could be other factors that contribute to weight loss, such as a change in diet or medication.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Are there other factors besides major investments in infrastructure that can lead to a rise in a nation's standard of living?"

Now let's discuss the question type and answer choices. This is a Flaw question, asking us to identify the flaw in the argument's reasoning. The correct answer is D.

a) This answer choice is irrelevant because the argument does not rely on the assumption that a nation that fails to invest in infrastructure will see a decline in its standard of living. It only claims that major investments in infrastructure lead to a rise in the standard of living.

b) This answer choice is also irrelevant. The argument is not concerned with whether all nations are capable of making investments in infrastructure, but rather whether that is the sole means by which a nation can raise its standard of living.

c) This answer choice describes an issue the argument considered. The argument does mention that the rise in standard of living occurs over time. The length of time is not the flaw in the argument.

d) This is the correct answer. The argument mistakenly assumes that a rise in a nation's standard of living must be the result of major investments in its infrastructure. There could be other factors that contribute to a rise in the standard of living, such as advancements in technology or education.

e) This answer choice is irrelevant. The argument does not assume that governments could always invest in infrastructure. It only describes a benefit from doing so. The issue of short-term crises is not related to the flaw in the argument.

To summarize, the argument is flawed because it assumes that a rise in a nation's standard of living must be the result of major investments in its infrastructure, without considering other possible factors. Answer choice D correctly identifies this flaw, making it the correct answer.