Logical ReasoningDifficulty: Medium

PT17 S3 Q3 Explanation

The current move to patent computer

A free, expert breakdown of this official LSAT Logical Reasoning question.

TopicsNecessary Assumption

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Stimulus

The current move to patent computer programs is a move in the wrong direction and should be stopped. The patent system was originally designed solely to protect small-time inventors from exploitation, not to give large corporations program is merely the implementation of a methodology.

What this question is testing

Necessary Assumption

Your task

Find the assumption the argument requires in order for its conclusion to hold.

Common trap

Answers that would help the argument but aren't strictly required (sufficient, not necessary).

Winning move

Negate each choice — the right one breaks the argument when negated.

Reading along? Open the full official question in LawHub — we show a fragment here and keep the reasoning in our own words.

The question
3.

Which one of the following is an assumption on which the

Answer choices

  1. Trap6% picked this

    Computer programs should be developed not only by large corporations but by small-time

  2. Trap2% picked this

    Implementing a methodology always requires less creative effort than does

  3. Trap2% picked this

    The issue of whether or not to patent computer programs presents the patent system with problems that

  4. Correct81% picked this

    Large corporations should not hold patents for implementations

    Why this is right

    Answer D is correct.

    Skill tested: Necessary Assumption · how this choice captures the argument's function is the move to repeat next time.

  5. Trap9% picked this

    Small-time inventors who support the move to patent computer programs act contrary to their

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