Consider the given statement and the two conclusions that follow : Statement : Morning walk is good for health. Conclusions : 1. All healthy people go for morning walk. 2. Morning walk is essential for maintaining good health. What is/are the valid conclusion/conclusions?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• The statement 'Morning walk is good for health' establishes that morning walking is a beneficial activity, but it does not imply it is the only way to maintain health or that it is mandatory.
• Conclusion 1 claims 'All healthy people go for morning walk,' which is an overgeneralization; the statement does not restrict healthy individuals to this specific activity.
• Conclusion 2 claims morning walk is 'essential' for maintaining good health, which is too strong; 'good for health' does not equate to 'essential' or 'necessary.'
• Since neither conclusion logically follows from the given statement, both are invalid.
• Therefore, the correct option is (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Conclusion 1 is invalid because the statement does not imply that all healthy people engage in morning walks.
- (b) 2 only
- Conclusion 2 is invalid because 'good for health' does not mean 'essential' for maintaining good health.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Both conclusions are invalid as neither logically follows from the given statement.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.