Method of ReasoningDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: Marie thinks keeping accidental extra change is fine because she didn't steal it. Julia counters by saying if someone accidentally gives you their coat, you still can't keep it just because you didn't use force to get it.
Conclusion: Julia argues that Marie is not morally entitled to keep the extra money just because she did not use force or deception to obtain it.
Reasoning: Julia presents a parallel scenario where someone accidentally hands over a coat; in that case, the lack of deception or violence does not grant the recipient the right to keep the item.
Analysis: This is a classic Method of Reasoning question where one speaker uses an analogy to challenge the other's logic. Julia isn't just disagreeing; she is attacking the principle Marie uses to justify her behavior. By showing that Marie's 'no force, no foul' rule leads to an absurd result in the coat scenario, Julia demonstrates that the rule is flawed. When looking for the right answer, focus on how Julia introduces a similar situation to prove that Marie’s criteria for moral entitlement are insufficient. It's a polite way of saying, 'If your logic worked there, it would have to work here, and we both know it doesn't.'
Conclusion: Julia argues that Marie is not morally entitled to keep the extra money just because she did not use force or deception to obtain it.
Reasoning: Julia presents a parallel scenario where someone accidentally hands over a coat; in that case, the lack of deception or violence does not grant the recipient the right to keep the item.
Analysis: This is a classic Method of Reasoning question where one speaker uses an analogy to challenge the other's logic. Julia isn't just disagreeing; she is attacking the principle Marie uses to justify her behavior. By showing that Marie's 'no force, no foul' rule leads to an absurd result in the coat scenario, Julia demonstrates that the rule is flawed. When looking for the right answer, focus on how Julia introduces a similar situation to prove that Marie’s criteria for moral entitlement are insufficient. It's a polite way of saying, 'If your logic worked there, it would have to work here, and we both know it doesn't.'
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage4.Julia's response functions in which one of the following ways?
Correct Answer
C
C captures Julia’s method: in a relevantly similar case with the same key condition (no deception/threat/force), the proper conclusion is the opposite—so Marie’s conclusion is challenged by counterexample.
Upgrade Your Prep
Ready to go beyond free explanations?
LSAT Perfection is the #1 modern LSAT prep platform, trusted by thousands of students for comprehensive test strategies, advanced drilling, and full analytics on every PrepTest.
Detailed explanations for 59 PrepTests
Advanced drillset builder
Personalized analytics
Built-in Wrong Answer Journal