LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Logical ReasoningEasy
A philosopher argues: 'True happiness is found not in the pursuit of pleasure, but in the cultivation of virtue. For pleasure is fleeting and often leads to dissatisfaction, while virtue, once attained, provides lasting contentment.' Which of the following is an assumption underlying the philosopher's argument?
- ADissatisfaction is an inherent consequence of seeking pleasure.
- BLasting contentment is the ultimate goal of human existence.
- CIt is possible for individuals to cultivate virtue.
- DPleasure and virtue are mutually exclusive states.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It is possible for individuals to cultivate virtue.
The philosopher's entire argument hinges on the idea that virtue *can be cultivated* to achieve lasting contentment. If it were impossible to cultivate virtue, the advice would be meaningless.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The philosopher states pleasure *often leads* to dissatisfaction, not that it is an *inherent consequence*. This phrasing allows for exceptions, so 'inherent' is too strong an assumption.
- B. The argument implies lasting contentment is *a* goal, but not necessarily the *ultimate* goal for everyone, nor is it a necessary assumption for the given comparison.
- D. The philosopher implies they are distinct, but not necessarily mutually exclusive. One could experience both, just that virtue is the source of *true* happiness.
Implicit Assumption
An unstated premise that is taken for granted as true within an argument, without which the argument's conclusion would not logically follow from its stated premises.
- Acts as a bridge between premises and conclusion.
- If false, the argument's validity is undermined.
- Often reveals a hidden belief of the arguer.
Memory trick: What must be true for the argument to stand tall and new?