Logic Breakdown

Passage Summary: A university president says that if a study might help figure out the cause of real-life problems, the school has a responsibility to support it.

Reasoning: Research institutions are duty-bound to support any theoretical research that has the potential to help explain or solve practical human problems.

Analysis: This principle establishes a conditional obligation: if research shows promise for yielding insights into practical problems, then the institution must promote it. To apply this correctly, we need a scenario that triggers the 'if' part of the statement. Look for an answer choice that identifies a specific field of study—no matter how theoretical—and links it to a potential improvement in quality of life or a solution to a practical issue. The correct application will then conclude that the institution is required to support that specific research.

Passage Stimulus

Passage Redacted

Unlock Full Passage

14.

The principle stated by the university president, if valid, most helps to justify which one of the following actions?

Correct Answer
E
E fits perfectly: a research institute funds theoretical math on folded structures that is likely to aid in understanding the structure of disease-causing proteins. That is ‘some promise’ of insights into causes of a practical, quality‑of‑life problem (disease), so the principle obligates promotion.
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
Explore Perfection Plus for full LSAT prep