Question

Many environmentalists have urged environmental awareness on consumers, saying that if we accept moral responsibility for our effects on the environment, then products that directly or indirectly harm the environment ought to be avoided. Unfortunately it is usually impossible for consumers to assess the environmental impact of a product, and thus impossible for them to consciously restrict their purchases to environmentally benign products. Because of this impossibility there can be no moral duty to choose products in the way these environmentalists urge, since Which one of the following principles provides the most appropriate completion for the argument? (A) a moral duty to perform an action is never based solely on the effects the action will have on other people (B) a person cannot possibly have a moral duty to do what he or she is unable to do (C) moral considerations should not be the sole determinants of what products are made available to consumers (D) the morally right action is always the one whose effects produce the least total harm (E) where a moral duty exists, it supersedes any legal duty and any other kind of duty

Short answer

Option B: a person cannot have a moral duty to do what he or she is unable to do.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Argument

The argument states that environmentalists believe consumers have a moral responsibility to avoid products harming the environment. However, since assessing the environmental impact of products is typically impossible for consumers, the argument concludes that consumers cannot have a moral duty to choose environmentally friendly products.

Identify the Gap in Reasoning

The main gap in reasoning in the argument is the link between the impossibility of assessing environmental impacts and the claim that there is no moral duty to act on those assessments. This gap implies a principle about moral duties and the ability to act.

Match a Relevant Principle

We need a principle that bridges this gap by stating that a moral duty cannot exist if the required action is impossible. Option B states that a person cannot possibly have a moral duty to do what he or she is unable to do, precisely addressing this gap.

Key concepts

Moral Responsibility

Moral responsibility involves being accountable for the actions we take and the consequences they have on others, including the environment. It suggests we should aim to do what is right, based on the effects our actions might have. In the context of consumer behavior and environmental concerns, moral responsibility means being aware of how our purchases impact the world around us. However, as the argument suggests, if it's impossible to fully understand the environmental impact of our choices, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to uphold this kind of moral responsibility. This is because we cannot be held accountable for actions when we lack the necessary information to make informed decisions.
Therefore, while moral responsibility is crucial, it is also contingent upon our ability to understand and predict the outcomes of our choices. This connection between knowledge and ethical action highlights the complexity of applying moral responsibility in everyday consumer decisions.

Environmental Awareness

Environmental awareness involves understanding the environmental issues and impacts of our actions. It is about recognizing the role each individual and consumer plays in the larger ecosystem. By becoming environmentally aware, we acknowledge how products we use daily may contribute to issues like pollution or resource depletion.
When consumers are urged to choose products that are environmentally friendly, it aligns with this awareness. However, as noted in the exercise, without adequate information on the environmental impact of products, consumers may find it challenging to make informed decisions.
This lack of information highlights the need for better labeling and transparency from manufacturers to facilitate greater environmental awareness at the consumer level. Living in a world where such impacts can often be hidden or indirect, enhancing our awareness requires concerted efforts from both consumers and producers.

Consumer Decision Making

Consumer decision making refers to the process by which individuals choose what products or services to purchase. It involves weighing various factors, such as cost, quality, brand reputation, and ethical considerations. Ideally, consumers should also consider environmental impact when making choices.
However, as outlined in the original argument, making environmentally conscious decisions can be difficult if consumers lack access to comprehensive information about the products they're selecting from. This absence of information can impair decision-making abilities, leading to choices that might not align with consumers' moral standards.
To empower consumers, companies can play a crucial role by providing clear and reliable information about their products and their environmental effects. Additionally, fostering environmental education can improve consumer decision making by equipping individuals with the tools needed to critically analyze the information they receive.

Ethical Principles

Ethical principles provide a framework for determining right from wrong and guide our behaviors and decision-making processes. In relation to consumer choices, these principles can include fairness, justice, and harm reduction, among others. They urge us to consider the broader implications of our actions, including those that affect the environment.
The argument referenced earlier raises the question of whether consumers have a moral duty to choose products based on their environmental impact when that impact is difficult to ascertain. One of the principles at play suggests that moral duties rely on the ability to perform an action. If consumers cannot reasonably determine the environmental effects of their purchases, the ethical principle might argue they do not have a moral responsibility to make environmentally conscious choices.
Thus, ethical principles in consumer behavior are not just about rigid rules but also about the capacity and context in which decisions are made. This understanding can help consumers navigate the morally complex landscape of modern consumption.

Logical Reasoning Skills

Logical reasoning skills are essential for analyzing arguments, identifying gaps in reasoning, and making sound conclusions. In the original exercise, logic helps us understand why it might be problematic to impose a moral duty on consumers when they cannot reasonably perform the required action.
Developing logical reasoning skills allows individuals to critically assess claims and evidence, such as the calls for moral responsibility in environmental decisions. It involves evaluating the relationship between premises and conclusions—recognizing, for instance, that without the ability to assess environmental impacts, it may not be logical to claim a moral duty exists.
By sharpening these skills, individuals can make better-informed decisions and argument-based evaluations. This is crucial in everyday life but also in test scenarios like the LSAT, where logical reasoning forms a significant component. Through practice, one can improve their ability to navigate complex arguments, just like the one presented in this exercise.