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Difficulty: HardStatement and Arguments

Read the statement and the two arguments below, then answer the question that follows:

Statement:
Should state municipal authorities levy a heavy peak-hour congestion toll on private vehicles entering central business districts?

Arguments:
I. Yes; targeted congestion pricing reduces peak-period traffic volume, lowers urban carbon emissions, and incentivizes commuters to utilize public transit systems.
II. No; all private personal vehicles should instead be permanently banned from municipal limits to resolve urban traffic congestion.

Which of the following evaluations regarding the arguments is logically correct?

  1. Only argument I is strongAnswer
  2. B
    Only argument II is strong
  3. C
    Neither argument I nor argument II is strong
  4. D
    Both argument I and argument II are strong

Answer

Only argument I is strong.
The correct answer specifies that only the first argument is strong. Argument I establishes a direct, logically sound, and realistic causal relationship between peak-hour congestion pricing, reduced vehicular density, lower carbon emissions, and increased public transit adoption. In contrast, Argument II relies on an extreme, disproportionate administrative measure—a permanent total ban on private vehicles—which makes it logically weak.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Argument I for relevance, logical link, and feasibility.
Argument I presents a well-reasoned economic and environmental justification. Peak-hour congestion pricing is a proven regulatory mechanism that directly addresses gridlock and pollution by encouraging transit usage.
An argument is strong if it is directly relevant, logically valid, and supported by practical outcomes rather than simple assertion.
2
Evaluate Argument II for logical fallacies or extreme measures.
Argument II proposes a total, permanent ban on private vehicles across municipal limits. This is an extreme, unrealistic administrative policy that ignores public mobility needs and administrative feasibility.
Arguments advocating extreme, disproportionate, or draconian measures without pragmatic balance are classified as weak arguments in logical reasoning.
3
Synthesize results to select the correct evaluation.
Argument I is strong while Argument II is weak.
Only the first argument satisfies all criteria for a logically strong argument in public administration scenarios.

Key Concept

Distinction Between Strong Arguments and Weak/Extreme Arguments
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Statement and Arguments

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