LSAT Explanation PT 43, S2, Q13: Davis: The only relevant factor in

LSAT Question Stem

Davis's and Higuchi's statements most strongly support the view that they would disagree with each other about which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Disagree question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Before diving into the answer choices, let's first analyze the argument in the passage. Davis argues that the only relevant factor in determining appropriate compensation for property damage or theft is the value the property loses due to damage or the value of the property stolen, as the harm to the victim is directly proportional to the pertinent value. This is Davis's conclusion. Higuchi disagrees and believes that more than one factor must be considered, such as the time it takes for a victim to recover the use of their personal property. This is Higuchi's conclusion.

Now, let's discuss the question type and what it's asking us to do. The question type is a Point at Issue (Disagree) question. It asks us to identify the statement that Davis and Higuchi would most strongly disagree about.

Let's go through each answer choice:

a) It is possible to consistently and reliably determine the amount of compensation owed to someone whose property was damaged or stolen.

Neither Davis nor Higuchi specifically discusses the consistency or reliability of determining compensation, so we cannot determine if they would disagree on this point.

b) Some victims are owed increased compensation because of the greater dollar value of the damage done to their property.

Davis would agree with this statement, as it is the premise of his argument. Higuchi does not openly refute this premise, so it's likely that Higuchi would also agree with this statement. Therefore, this cannot be the correct answer.

c) Victims who are deprived of their property are owed compensation in proportion to the harm they have suffered.

Both Davis and Higuchi would agree that the amount of harm should determine the amount of compensation, even though they disagree about the appropriate method for determining the harm. Thus, this statement cannot be the point of disagreement.

d) Some victims are owed increased compensation because of the greater amount of time they are deprived of the use of their property.

This is the correct answer choice. Higuchi argues that the amount of time a victim is deprived of the use of their property should be one of the factors in determining the amount of compensation. In contrast, Davis argues that monetary loss or damage is the only relevant factor, and thus the time involved is not a factor. Since Higuchi would agree with this statement and Davis would not, this is the point of disagreement.

e) The compensation owed to victims should be determined on a case-by-case basis rather than by some general rule.

Since both Davis and Higuchi argue that variable factors, such as the amount of monetary loss and the amount of time property is missing, should determine the amount of compensation, both would agree that the compensation owed to victims should be determined on a case-by-case basis. This statement cannot be the point of disagreement if both speakers agree with it.

Therefore, the correct answer choice is (d), as it is the statement that Davis and Higuchi would most strongly disagree about.