powerscore lsat course book page 258 #2

[saranash1]

The answer keys says that b is the answer because it attacks the conclusion by showing that the necessary condition, "act responsibly," does not have to occur since a similar effect (the public believing a business is socially responsible" can be achieved by public relations programs.

To my understanding of weaken questions in order to attack the conclusion, "Therefore, a business that wishes to retain its power as long as it can act responsibly," we must in this instance find an alternate cause for the stated effect. There is an alternate cause in the answer choice but the effect is not the same either it is merely a similar effect.

[Steve Stein]

Hey Saranash1,

In that one, the author provides that in the long run, when society thinks power is not being used responsibly, society acts to reduce that power:

Society thinks power used irresponsibly Societal acts to reduce power

Contrapositive:

NO societal acts to reduce power Society NOT think power used irresponsibly

In other words, for a business to avoid societal attacks on its power, society better not think that power is being used irresponsibly. But the necessary condition in the author's conclusion is different:

NO societal acts to reduce power act responsibly

Again, the premise is that to avoid attacks on a business' power, society better not think that the business is using its power irresponsibly.

Correct answer choice B hurts the author, by providing another way to avoid bad public perceptions--not with responsible action, but with Public Relations programs.

If, as this choice provides, Public Relations programs are enough to make people think that a business is acting responsibly, that weakens the authors conclusion that it is necessary for businesses to act responsibly.

Tricky question! I hope that's helpful--let me know whether this is clear--thanks!

~Steve

[saranash1]

that makes sense! thanks!