PrincipleDiff: Easy
Logic Breakdown
Passage Summary: We can now test people to see if they will get deadly genetic diseases, but since we can't cure them yet, telling people the bad news might actually do more harm than good.
Reasoning: New genetic tests can predict fatal diseases before they occur, but medicine cannot yet prevent these conditions, and the knowledge of an incurable fate can be psychologically damaging.
Analysis: This stimulus presents a moral and practical dilemma regarding the utility of information. The philosopher highlights a gap between our diagnostic capabilities and our therapeutic ones, suggesting that 'early warning' might be a burden rather than a benefit. When looking for a principle that illustrates this state of affairs, focus on the idea that providing information is only beneficial if it leads to a positive outcome or if the harm of knowing doesn't outweigh the benefits. It is a classic case of technology advancing faster than our ability to handle its consequences.
Reasoning: New genetic tests can predict fatal diseases before they occur, but medicine cannot yet prevent these conditions, and the knowledge of an incurable fate can be psychologically damaging.
Analysis: This stimulus presents a moral and practical dilemma regarding the utility of information. The philosopher highlights a gap between our diagnostic capabilities and our therapeutic ones, suggesting that 'early warning' might be a burden rather than a benefit. When looking for a principle that illustrates this state of affairs, focus on the idea that providing information is only beneficial if it leads to a positive outcome or if the harm of knowing doesn't outweigh the benefits. It is a classic case of technology advancing faster than our ability to handle its consequences.
Passage Stimulus
Passage Redacted
Unlock Full Passage3.Which one of the following statements is best illustrated by the state of affairs described by the philosopher?
Correct Answer
B
B captures the core: medical advances (predictive tests) create a new ethical context (harm from knowledge without a cure) that raises an ethical dilemma about making the tests available.
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