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Difficulty: MediumStatement and Arguments

Analyze the policy statement and the corresponding arguments below. Determine which of the arguments is logically strong in the context of administrative decision-making.

Statement: Should the state administration implement mandatory metered pricing for groundwater extraction by large-scale commercial industries in water-stressed regions?

Argument I: Yes, imposing a financial cost on groundwater extraction will incentivize industries to adopt water-recycling technologies and reduce overall industrial water wastage.
Argument II: No, the administration must instead immediately force all commercial industries to relocate outside the state boundaries to completely eliminate the water stress problem.

Which of the following correctly evaluates the strength of the given arguments?

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

Answer

The correct evaluation is that only the first argument is logically strong.
The correct answer accurately identifies that only the first argument is logically sound. Argument I presents a feasible and balanced policy mechanism (financial disincentivization) that logically leads to a relevant outcome (conservation). Argument II is fundamentally weak because it relies on an extreme, disproportionate administrative action (state-wide industrial relocation) that would cause massive economic disruption, rather than addressing the resource management issue pragmatically.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the logical strength of Argument I.
Argument I is identified as strong.
It offers a realistic, proportional administrative measure (pricing) directly linked to a logical, positive outcome (reduced wastage through technology adoption).
2
Evaluate the logical strength of Argument II.
Argument II is identified as weak.
It proposes an extreme and disproportionate administrative response (forced relocation of all industries) instead of a balanced policy approach, which is a common fallacy in decision-making.
3
Select the option that matches the evaluation.
The option stating only the first argument is strong is the correct choice.
This precisely reflects the conclusion that Argument I is logically valid while Argument II is flawed.

Key Concept

Logical evaluation of administrative policy arguments based on relevance, proportionality, and causal validity.
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Topics

Statement and Arguments

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