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Difficulty: HardStatement and Arguments

Analyze the policy statement and the two arguments given below:

Statement: Should state public works departments mandate the immediate suspension and blacklisting of infrastructure contractors upon the first instance of a project deadline delay, regardless of the cause?

Argument I: Yes, because implementing harsh penalties will instill fear, ensuring strict adherence to timelines and eliminating project delays.
Argument II: No, because delays frequently stem from unpredicted external factors like severe weather or land acquisition clearances, and penalizing contractors without investigating root causes violates natural justice.

Which of the arguments given above is/are strong?

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

Answer

Only argument II is strong.
The correct option states that only the second argument is strong. Argument II provides a well-reasoned, realistic, and fair administrative perspective by noting that delays often occur due to factors outside a contractor's control (such as land acquisition delays or weather) and that immediate blacklisting without inquiry violates natural justice. Conversely, Argument I is weak because it proposes an extreme, blanket punitive action that lacks administrative nuance and due process.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Argument I for relevance, logical soundness, and administrative proportionality.
Argument I suggests that blanket immediate suspension and blacklisting without investigating causes will ensure total compliance. This relies on an extreme administrative reaction trap and ignores procedural fairness and realistic operating conditions.
An argument advocating disproportionate punitive action regardless of fault is logically weak and administratively impractical.
2
Evaluate Argument II for relevance, logical soundness, and administrative proportionality.
Argument II highlights that external delays (e.g., land acquisition, severe weather) are beyond a contractor's control and that punitive action without cause analysis violates natural justice.
Argument II directly addresses the statement with sound logic, real-world context, and essential administrative ethics, making it strong.
3
Synthesize the evaluations to select the correct State PSC answer choice.
Argument I is weak and Argument II is strong.
Only argument II meets the criteria of a strong argument.

Key Concept

Evaluation of Strong and Weak Arguments in Administrative Policy
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Topics

Statement and Arguments

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