Critical Reasoning — Implicit Assumptions Policy statement: “Retired persons should not be appointed to executive posts in other organisations.” Assumptions to evaluate: I. Retired persons may lack the zeal and commitment needed for executive work. II. Retired persons do not take interest in the work and welfare of the new organisation.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Only assumption I is implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
A blanket policy against appointing retirees to executive roles implies concerns about suitability. We must decide which concerns the policy necessarily assumes.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Policy: avoid appointing retired persons to executive posts.
  • Assumption I: possible lack of zeal/commitment among retirees for such roles.
  • Assumption II: retirees do not take interest in the new organization’s work and welfare.


Concept / Approach:
To justify a “should not” policy, at least one general concern must plausibly apply often enough—such as energy, drive, or adaptability. An absolute claim that retirees do not take interest is extreme and unnecessary.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) The most natural rationale for the policy is the belief that, on average, zeal/commitment may be lower post-retirement, affecting executive effectiveness. I is therefore implicit.2) II is an overgeneralization (asserting no interest). The policy does not require such a sweeping claim; it can rest on risk of reduced zeal without asserting total disinterest.


Verification / Alternative check:
Negate I: zeal is fully adequate—then the policy loses ground. Negate II: many retirees do take interest—the policy could still be argued on zeal/commitment concerns, so II is not necessary.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Only II / Either / Neither / Both: They either install an unnecessary absolute or deny the core risk premise.


Common Pitfalls:
Reading policies as if they always rely on universal negatives. Often they rely on probabilistic concerns, not certainties.


Final Answer:
Only assumption I is implicit

More Questions from Statement and Assumption

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion