- Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:00 pm
#33618
Complete Question Explanation
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=13783)
The correct answer choice is (D)
Approach this Weaken question as you would any similar Logical Reasoning question: the correct answer choice must undermine the conclusion of the argument outlined in the first paragraph of passage B. The author explains her opposition to software patents, arguing that such patents impede innovation:
Answer choice (A): This is an attractive answer choice, because if software patents expire after 20 years, their negative effects would not persist interminably. However, just because the effects are limited in time does not make them any less severe. Inhibiting innovation for 20 years may still present an astronomical opportunity cost. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): This is the Opposite answer. If open-source software were more reliable than patented software, this would strengthen the author’s opposition to software patents.
Answer choice (C): Just because some companies oppose software patents for self-interested reasons does not make their argument any less credible. This is a classic Source Argument flaw: we cannot weaken an argument by questioning the character or motivations of those making the argument. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. If innovation becomes less profitable as a result of not patenting software, vendors would have little incentive to continue innovating. Innovation would be inhibited not by software patents (as the author suggests), but rather by the absence of patents. This would weaken the author’s argument, and challenge the defense of open-source software outlined in the first paragraph of passage.
Answer choice (E): Who benefits from software innovations has no bearing on whether patented software impedes innovation. This answer choice is incorrect.
(See the complete passage discussion here: lsat/viewtopic.php?t=13783)
The correct answer choice is (D)
Approach this Weaken question as you would any similar Logical Reasoning question: the correct answer choice must undermine the conclusion of the argument outlined in the first paragraph of passage B. The author explains her opposition to software patents, arguing that such patents impede innovation:
- Cause Effect
Software patents Innovation
Answer choice (A): This is an attractive answer choice, because if software patents expire after 20 years, their negative effects would not persist interminably. However, just because the effects are limited in time does not make them any less severe. Inhibiting innovation for 20 years may still present an astronomical opportunity cost. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (B): This is the Opposite answer. If open-source software were more reliable than patented software, this would strengthen the author’s opposition to software patents.
Answer choice (C): Just because some companies oppose software patents for self-interested reasons does not make their argument any less credible. This is a classic Source Argument flaw: we cannot weaken an argument by questioning the character or motivations of those making the argument. This answer choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): This is the correct answer choice. If innovation becomes less profitable as a result of not patenting software, vendors would have little incentive to continue innovating. Innovation would be inhibited not by software patents (as the author suggests), but rather by the absence of patents. This would weaken the author’s argument, and challenge the defense of open-source software outlined in the first paragraph of passage.
Answer choice (E): Who benefits from software innovations has no bearing on whether patented software impedes innovation. This answer choice is incorrect.