Critical Reasoning – Public holiday on the demise of national leaders Statement: Should public holidays be declared upon the demise of important national leaders? Arguments: I. No. Such unscheduled holidays hamper national progress. II. Yes. People.

Question

Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Curioustab · Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context:The issue is whether to declare ad-hoc public holidays after the demise of a leader. We judge the strength of each argument based on direct policy relevance and practicality without assuming extra facts. Given Data / Assumptions: Public holidays cause stoppage of productive activity and public services. Commemoration can occur through non-holiday means (state mourning, ceremonies). Citizens’ desire to pay homage is acknowledged but not necessarily tied to a holiday. Concept / Approach:In governance reasoning, a strong argument cites efficiency, continuity of essential services, or proportionality. An argument that appeals only to sentiment, when alternatives exist, is weaker. Step-by-Step Solution: Evaluate I: It highlights a direct public-interest cost—unscheduled shutdowns impede productivity and service delivery. This is a concrete, policy-relevant reason. Hence I is strong.Evaluate II: It rests on popular sentiment. While homage is important, it does not demonstrate that a holiday is the necessary or best instrument (public mourning, half-mast flags, minutes of silence are alternatives). Thus, II is weak. Verification / Alternative check:When multiple, less disruptive ways exist to honor leaders, the argument for a sweeping holiday loses policy strength. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Only II: weak sentiment baseline. Either/Neither/Both: misconstrue the differing strengths. Common Pitfalls:Equating respect with mandatory holidays; ignoring economic and service impacts of sudden closures. Final Answer:Only argument I is strong

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