Consider the following statements : 1. Some claim to have seen UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects). 2. Life on other heavenly bodies is considered to be a possibility. 3. Voyage to space is now an established fact. From the above statements, it may be concluded that
- (a) UFOs are heavenly bodies
- (b) UFOs are sent from other heavenly bodies
- (c) Some living species in other heavenly bodies are more intelligent than man
- (d) Nothing definite can be said about the UFOs ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Statement 1 notes that some people claim to have seen UFOs, but this is a subjective claim, not a verified fact.
• Statement 2 states that life on other heavenly bodies is only considered a possibility, not a confirmed reality.
• Statement 3 confirms that space travel is an established fact, but it does not provide information about the origin or nature of UFOs.
• Since the existence of extraterrestrial life is unproven and UFO sightings are unverified claims, no logical link can be established between UFOs and intelligent life or specific heavenly bodies.
• Therefore, the only valid conclusion is that nothing definite can be said about the nature or origin of UFOs based on the given statements.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) UFOs are heavenly bodies
- The statements do not define UFOs as heavenly bodies; they are unidentified objects, which is a different category.
- (b) UFOs are sent from other heavenly bodies
- The statements do not establish that UFOs are sent from other heavenly bodies, as the existence of life there is only a possibility.
- (c) Some living species in other heavenly bodies are more intelligent than man
- The statements do not confirm the existence of any living species on other heavenly bodies, let alone one more intelligent than man.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.