Question

Some people take their moral cues from governmental codes of law; for them, it is inconceivable that something that is legally permissible could be immoral. Those whose view is described above hold inconsistent beliefs if they also believe that (A) law does not cover all circumstances in which one person morally wrongs another (B) a legally impermissible action is never morally excusable (C) governmental officials sometimes behave illegally (D) the moral consensus of a society is expressed in its laws (E) some governmental regulations are so detailed that they are burdensome to the economy 17\. Certain instruments used in veterinary surgery can be made either of stainless steel or of nylon. In a study of such instruments, 50 complete sterilizations of a set of nylon instruments required \(3.4\) times the amount of energy used to manufacture that set of instruments, whereas 50 complete sterilizations of a set of stainless steel instruments required \(2.1\) times the amount of energy required to manufacture that set of instruments. If the statements above are true, each of the following could be true EXCEPT: (A) The 50 complete sterilizations of the nylon instruments used more energy than did the 50 complete sterilizations of the stainless steel instruments. (B) More energy was required for each complete sterilization of the nylon instruments than was required to manufacture the nylon instruments. (C) More nylon instruments than stainless steel instruments were sterilized in the study. (D) More energy was used to produce the stainless steel instruments than was used to produce the nylon instruments. (E) The total cost of 50 complete sterilizations of the stainless steel instruments was greater than the cost of manufacturing the stainless steel instruments.

Short answer

(A) The 50 sterilizations of nylon instruments used more energy than the stainless steel instruments.

Step-by-step solution

Read and Understand the Problem

The question describes a scenario regarding the sterilization of veterinary surgical instruments made from nylon and stainless steel. It also provides details about the energy involved in their sterilization and manufacturing. We have to choose an option that cannot be true if the given statements are correct.

Analyze the Given Information

We know: - 50 sterilizations of nylon instruments require 3.4 times their manufacturing energy. - 50 sterilizations of stainless steel instruments require 2.1 times their manufacturing energy. We need to find out which statement cannot coexist with this information.

Evaluate Each Option

Let's assess the truth of each given option based on the information: (A) It's possible since the energy for 50 sterilizations is based on a higher factor for nylon (3.4) than stainless steel (2.1). (B) This is possible, as energy for sterilization (3.4 times) exceeds manufacturing energy. (C) Does not inherently contradict the given conditions, since the number of instruments isn't specified. (D) This proposition aligns because more energy for manufacturing stainless steel instruments could still result in 50 sterilizations needing more energy overall for nylon due to the 3.4 factor. (E) Increased sterilization costs can be compared without contradiction.

Identify the EXCEPTION

Among the listed possibilities, evaluate which is impossible given the energy usage information: - The comparison must focus not on absolute values but on possibilities according to outlined energy usage scenarios. Assess option (A) closely, realizing its logical impossibility. With nylon sterilizations needing significantly more energy due to a higher factor, if both sets required similar initial energy, option (A) contradicts as nylon must consume more energy based on ratios. Thus, Option (A) isn’t possible.

Key concepts

Logical Reasoning

Logical reasoning is an essential skill when it comes to tackling complex problems, such as those faced in sections on the LSAT. It involves carefully analyzing propositions and their consequences, ensuring your argument makes sense, and that you've understood all underlying premises.
This is crucial when discerning which answer might not fit based on a strict logic given in the problem, as with the sterilization energy question.
In our example, understanding the ratio of energy used was key to logically deriving why one option could not possibly be true. Here’s what helps:

• Identify Premises: Understand the foundational statements given in the problem context.
• Deductive Reasoning: Use logical deduction to draw conclusions supported by those premises.
• Consistency Check: Ensure that each conclusion aligns with the provided data and does not contradict known principles.

Practicing logical reasoning builds your ability to see the necessary connections and discrepancies in various situations, turning vague information into clear truths.

Analytical Reasoning

Analytical reasoning is about evaluating pieces of information by breaking them down into smaller, understandable parts. This helps identify relationships among data points and decide how these interact to determine the ultimate truth, much like solving a puzzle.
This kind of reasoning is crucial in problems such as the one involving energy consumption for instrument sterilization. Here's how analytical reasoning helps:

• Comparison of Data: Compare the energy ratios given for nylon and stainless steel instruments to determine their implications.
• Information Segmentation: Separate different parts of the problem, such as manufacturing vs. sterilization energy.
• Systematic Problem Solving: Approach each option logically and systematically to deduce the correct relationships.

Without analytical reasoning, it becomes difficult to make sense of how individual components of a problem interconnect, especially when this interconnection points to a specific exception.

Test Strategies

One of the vital aspects of LSAT preparation is developing effective test strategies. Good strategies help you navigate questions efficiently and manage your time properly during the exam.
For questions that require choosing an exception, like the sterilization problem, the following strategies can be beneficial:

• Process of Elimination: Immediately rule out options you know to be possible, narrowing down your choices effectively.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely and don't dwell too long on one question. Move to another if you’re stuck and return later.
• Re-read Key Info: Carefully review the problem statement to pick up any missed clues or details that may have been overlooked.
  
• Mental Breaks: Take moments to reset mentally, especially with difficult questions.

Utilizing these strategies allows you to approach test questions systematically, increasing your chances of arriving at the right answer with thoughtful consideration.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves not only following logical processes but also questioning and debating the underlying assumptions of a problem. It's about evaluating whether the data provided and the interpretations being drawn truly make sense.
In the problem about energy usage, critical thinking requires weighing each statement against the facts we have and seeing if they logically stand.
Consider the following features of critical thinking applied to LSAT problems:

• Assumption Identification: Determine what the problem implicitly assumes. Understand how these assumptions affect the outcome.
• Objective Analysis: Look at the facts without bias or preconceived notions. Determine theories that could override the supposed outcomes.
• Creative Solutions: Think outside the box to identify solutions or approaches that may not be immediately obvious.

Through critical thinking, you refine your ability to see the gaps between what seems true and what is analytically precise, lending you confidence in the correctness of your answers.