GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

"Reason may be essential in carrying out moral decisions, but the source of morality is human sentiment." David Hume

Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025

World ThinkersDimensions of EthicsEmpathy and Compassion

Syllabus: Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

How toppers approached it

From 5 of the 6 answers · about 150 words · 20% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening40%
  • A restatement40%
  • A definition20%

Body

  • Points100%

Close

  • No separate close40%
  • A summary40%
  • A way forward20%

The toppers’ answers

Pakshal SecretryAIR 8 · CSE 2025 · 137 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a restatement

The above quote highlights the central role of human sentiment and conscience in moral decision.

Body · points

Essentiality of Reason

  1. objective & moral decision making
  2. Ensure decision are logical and pass majority test
  3. Decision right in legal scrutiny

Role of Human Sentiment

  1. Navigating the grey zones (e.g. Abortion, AFSPA).
  2. Constantly guides even when reason stops.
  3. Faster Decision making → crowd control during riots
  4. Ensures moral decision even when no one is watching → following Traffic Rules without constable on Road
  5. Ensures no crisis of conscience post decision → whistleblowing
  6. Decision mostly ensure greater public good & morality.
  7. Individual sentiment guides even when reason fails → Not drinking alcohol even when depressed (reason to drink)

Close · a way forward

Thus, human sentiment needs to be refined & enlightened for effective decision making.

More on World Thinkers

Moral thinkers and philosophers from outside India used as a source: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Mill, Rawls, Confucius and others.

All GS4 questions on World Thinkers