Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumStatement and Arguments

Read the public policy debate below and evaluate the strength of the provided arguments.

Statement: Should the government immediately close all physical citizen-service centers and shift entirely to a digital grievance redressal system?

Argument I: Yes, digital platforms are flawless and will guarantee the instant resolution of all administrative complaints without any human error.
Argument II: No, an abrupt transition to a purely digital system will disproportionately harm citizens who lack internet access or basic digital literacy.

Which of the arguments is logically strong?

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

Answer

Only argument II is strong.
Argument II is strong because it correctly identifies a realistic and substantial negative consequence of the proposed policy, which is the marginalization of vulnerable groups lacking digital access. Argument I is weak because it relies on the extreme, logically flawed assumption that technological systems are absolutely flawless and immune to error.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Argument I for logical validity and realistic feasibility.
Argument I claims that digital platforms are 'flawless' and will 'guarantee' instant resolution 'without any human error'.
Because it relies on extreme, absolute assumptions that contradict real-world technological limitations, Argument I is logically weak.
2
Evaluate Argument II for relevance and logical soundness.
Argument II points out a direct, practical consequence: the exclusion of citizens who lack digital literacy or internet access.
Because it addresses a highly probable and significant socio-economic impact of the proposed policy, Argument II is logically strong.
3
Synthesize the evaluations to select the correct choice.
Since only the second argument provides a sound, realistic justification, the correct conclusion is that solely the second argument is strong.
Options supporting the first argument or rejecting the second argument must be eliminated.

Key Concept

Evaluating the logical strength of arguments by distinguishing between extreme, absolute assumptions and realistic socio-economic consequences in public administration.
Rate this question

Topics

Statement and Arguments

More questions from this topic