GS4 · Topic
Dimensions of Ethics
What ethics is and how it is divided: descriptive, normative and applied ethics, the essence and determinants of ethical action, consequences of ethics in human action.
503 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Dimensions of Ethics that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
"Facts are many, but the truth is one." - Rabindranath Tagore
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Dimensions of EthicsIndian Thinkers
Knowledge and skills are important, but they must be grounded in ethical principles for true success. In this context, discuss the importance of ethics in education and the role of educational institutions in imparting ethical values.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." - Desmond Tutu
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. "Wars begin in the minds of men, and in those minds, love and compassion would have built the defences of peace."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
What teachings of Mahavira are most relevant today and why? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
Justice without force is futile, force without justice is tyrannical.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems."-Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of Ethics
What do you understand by dignity? Distinguish between human and social dignity? Identify the common dignity violations that one notices in government departments.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
For effective corporate governance to take place in the coming years, why is it important to integrate the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics with the multi-stakeholder approach? What benefits can be accrued by such integration?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) is proposed on a river in a northeastern state of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Covered in dense forests, this region harbors a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including numerous endemic species. Although sparsely populated, the region's communities have livelihoods and cultural practices deeply intertwined with the natural landscape. Its ecological wealth has been preserved over the years due to its environmental significance and cultural heritage. Additionally, the Upper Siang basin holds immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders, offering potential leverage in regional security and resource management. The SUMP aims to harness the river's energy for economic growth, proposing infrastructure that includes an 11,000 MW "mega dam," power stations, and transmission lines that could transform the state into a renewable energy hub. Proponents argue that the project will boost the state's economy through power generation, employment, and enhanced infrastructure while also helping meet the country's clean energy targets. However, a local NGO has raised concerns about the ecological and social costs of SUMP. The project would require extensive forest clearance, which plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, experts warn that construction activities could disturb the region's delicate ecosystems. This may affect riverine biodiversity and increase the risk of soil erosion and sedimentation, with potential downstream effects on agriculture and water quality. Another major issue raised is the potential displacement and cultural impact on local communities. This could threaten their subsistence-based livelihoods and disrupt their way of life. Critics also highlight that the project may contradict India's commitments to sustainable development. Despite these concerns, supporters of the project argue that SUMP's strategic importance and clean energy potential cannot be ignored. Moreover, they emphasize the project's strategic location, which would strengthen energy security, reduce regional inequalities, and contribute to the country's long-term development goals. They argue that amidst rising energy demands, the country cannot afford to forgo such an opportunity, especially given the presence of hydroelectric projects across borders that could shift regional control over water resources. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in the above case? (b) In your opinion, which should take priority between development and conservation, and why?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Environmental EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
What does each of the following quotation mean to you? a) "When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion" - Abraham Lincoln.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
"Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. The obedient must be slaves." - Henry David Thoreau
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
Discuss the relevance of the following quotes to the present times. "Moral actions belong to the jurisdiction of the outward and inward court, both civil and domestic governor; I mean both the magistrate and conscience." Locke
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Sources of Ethical GuidanceDimensions of Ethics
"It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err." Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
What do you understand by the 'voice of conscience'? In what ways can you prepare yourself to listen to the voice of conscience?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2017
Sources of Ethical GuidanceHuman Values
While transplantation of organs represents one of the most spectacular achievements of modern medical science, it has raised many ethical issues as well. Discuss. Also, examine the issues related to organ transplantation in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Socially and economically marginalized women are used to make a profit, often at the cost of their own health and reproductive autonomy, in the name of commercial surrogacy. Discuss the ethical issues associated with commercial surrogacy in India. Should commercial surrogacy be completely banned?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
"It may be expedient but it is not just that some should have less in order that others may prosper." — John Rawls
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
What is the ethical basis behind the idea of reparations for historical wrongs committed against certain groups?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Ethical hacking and malicious hacking stand as divergent paths with distinct intentions and consequences. As technology advances, it becomes imperative to comprehend the nuances that set these practices apart in the cybersecurity landscape. In this perspective, elucidate the principles that differentiate ethical hacking and malicious hacking.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics
In public administration, ethical decision-making is shaped by multiple frameworks. How does a deontological or duty-based ethical approach differ from consequentialist theories such as utilitarianism in administrative practice? Illustrate your answer with an example of a moral dilemma in governance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Ethical TheoriesEthical Dilemmas in Government
Jiya is a first-year student studying political science in a metropolitan city. Jiya belongs to Viddhi, a village located in the state of Satya Pradesh. Even though Jiya is very fond of her ancestral home, she has limited knowledge about the socio-cultural aspects of the region. One day, while talking to her father, Jiya expresses her desire to visit her ancestral place. Her father readily agrees, and advises Jiya to inform her paternal uncle, Suresh, who lives in Viddhi, about her travel plans. On the destined day, Jiya arrives at her village to a grand welcome organised by her uncle. Later in the day, Suresh informs Jiya that in the evening they were all to attend a marriage function in the village. At the function, while having dinner, Jiya noticed that a separate seating arrangement was being made for some people. Unlike others, these people were waiting for their meals sitting on the floor, at a substantial distance from the main dining area. This made Jiya curious. On enquiring, Alakh, a 15-year-old boy, told Jiya that the members of his communities were not allowed to sit on chairs in any public occasion in the village. Alakh also told Jiya that even though he did not like the idea of sitting down in front of his friends, his mother and father, both advised him to follow the norm. Jiya asked him as to why different treatment was meted out to some people despite belonging to the same place. Alakh informed Jiya that even though they all belonged to Viddhi, members of his communities lived in separate habitations; had separate wells; and even worshiped in separate places. He also told her that various prohibitions were put on them like they were not supposed to ride a horse as part of their wedding procession, not allowed to wear turbans, which was a common head gear for others etc. Upon returning from the function, Jiya talked to her uncle about the matter. Suresh told Jiya that it is an accepted practice in the region and it is not wise to question the age-old traditions. Next day, while going to the market with her aunt, Jiya passes by the local government school. She at once recognized Alakh in the school uniform. To her surprise, instead of studying inside with other students, he, along with some other students, was sweeping the school corridor. While Jiya was perplexed, her aunt passed it off as a routine affair and told her that it was not out of ordinary for the likes of Alakh to do such jobs. Though Jiya left for her home in a few days, the incidents in Viddhi left an indelible mark on her psyche. As a political science student, Jiya realised that such practices and traditions were a blatant violation of an individual's rights. However, what she did not understand was the reasons behind overt acceptance of such practices by the society. The things witnessed by Jiya at Viddhi are not isolated incidents, but a part of larger systematic cycle of exclusion, and marginalisation. Such incidents are commonplace in many parts of the country even today. a) Discuss the role of various stakeholders in checking such biases and building an egalitarian order. b) Why do such discriminatory practices continue in the society?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Empathy and CompassionFamily, Society and Education
In the realm of professional conduct, ethics plays a role that tends to go far beyond fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of the job with diligence and honesty. But some people consider professional competence as the only critical requirement for a job. If faced with a choice, who would you prefer to hire - someone with professional competence or one with strong moral values?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Aptitude for Civil ServiceCivil Service Values
Successful people are not those who did not fail, but those who persisted in turbulent times and kept moving after a failure. In light of this statement, examine the importance of adversity quotient in life. How can adversity quotient be developed?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Human ValuesAptitude for Civil Service
Ahimsa is not only the negative refusal to do harm, but also the positive doing of good. In this perspective, discuss the significance of ‘ahimsa’ in modern times.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
Differentiate between the following: ii. Gratitude and Gratification
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
“Love is not a mere impulse, it must contain truth, which is law.” - Rabindra Nath Tagore.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
What are the ethical issues involved in the practice of undercover journalism? (b) Do you support the practice of undercover investigation by journalists? Give reasons in support of your answer.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
Beggars are a common sight at traffic junctions and places of worship across cities in India. They are labelled as nuisance makers who often harass commuters and devotees by relentlessly pestering for money. Recently, an appeal was made in the Supreme Court to end this practice by putting a ban on begging in the national capital. However, human rights groups have advocated that banning begging is not the ideal way to end it, as the underlying socio-economic issues that lead to begging remain unresolved. In this context: (a) Bring out the moral and ethical concerns pertaining to begging in India. (b) Discuss the factors that pushes an individual to opt for begging. (c) If you pass by a beggar, what will you do - give your money to a beggar or ignore the beggar and give your spare money instead to charities that assist the most needy? Give logical reasons in support of your answer.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021
Empathy and CompassionEthical Dilemmas in Government