On the basis of the above passage, the following assumptions have been made : 1. Economic power is the only reason for the existence of inequality in a society. 2. Inequality of different kinds, income, wealth, etc. reinforces power. 3. Economic power can be analysed more through its effects than by direct empirical methods. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (b)
• Assumption 1 is invalid because the passage states that economic power is the 'organising principle' of inequality, not the 'only reason' for its existence, which is an absolute claim not supported by the text.
• Assumption 2 is invalid because the passage describes power as the force that drives and organizes inequality, not that inequality reinforces power; the causal direction is from power to inequality, not vice versa.
• Assumption 3 is valid because the passage explicitly states that economic power is 'invisible and not measurable' directly, but its effects are seen in a 'pervasive manner' in all spheres, implying analysis through effects rather than direct empirical measurement.
• Therefore, only Assumption 3 is valid, making option (b) the correct answer.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Includes invalid Assumption 1 (power is not the 'only' reason) and invalid Assumption 2 (inequality does not reinforce power).
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Includes invalid Assumption 1 (power is not the 'only' reason for inequality).
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Includes invalid Assumptions 1 and 2, which are not supported by the passage's specific wording and causal logic.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2019, held on 2 June 2019. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.