Law and Corruption — Interpreting Causal Claims Statement: • The 'Official Secrets Act' (OSA) enacted by the ABC government during the war seems to be one of the major sources of corruption in country X. Which conclusion(s) follow?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Neither I nor II follows

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The statement claims the OSA “seems to be one of the major sources” of corruption. We must assess two strong conclusions: abolish OSA to end corruption, and that the enacting government intended to encourage corruption.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • OSA is presented as a probable contributor, among others, to corruption.
  • No claim is made that OSA is the only source.
  • No claim is made about the ABC government's intent at enactment.


Concept / Approach:
Conclusion I (“abolish OSA to put an end to corruption”) assumes OSA is both necessary and sufficient for corruption. The statement only says “one of the major sources,” so removing it may reduce but not end corruption. Conclusion II imputes intent; the statement gives no evidence about motive.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify modality: “seems” and “one of” indicate uncertainty and plurality of causes.Evaluate I: ending corruption entirely does not follow from removing a single contributing source.Evaluate II: alleging corrupt intent is unwarranted without explicit evidence.


Verification / Alternative check:
Even if OSA were abolished, other sources could persist; likewise, wartime enactment could have legitimate security motives.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only I / Only II / Either / Both: each overstates beyond the cautious, plural-cause phrasing.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing contributory cause with sole cause; inferring intent from outcomes.



Final Answer:
Neither I nor II follows

More Questions from Statement and Conclusion

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