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.
Across the world, there is often a taxing demand on correct manners, etiquettes and moral responsibility by celebrities and public figures and there is huge public outrage if they act carelessly. Even for small mistakes, public figures have to apologise, or take an early retirement out of shame. This is often aggravated by the media, which relentlessly reports on the issue and the public who enjoy the voyeurism offered by entertainment - footage of star cars being chased, leaked WhatsApp chats etc. Further, there is hardly any unbiased and civil debate when it comes to celebrities and their social responsibilities. In most cases, the argument does not even centre around the actual issue and gets subsumed by overarching subplots. Messy trolling, often misdirected, is a common feature in all. Even serious issues like suicide and drug use are reduced to parenting problems and witch-hunt is often seen. In this context: (a) Is there any difference between a public figure and private person when it comes to privacy? Should public figures also have some reasonable amount of privacy? (b) Do you think it is fair to expect role models, such as celebrities and public figures, to act more responsibly as compared to ordinary citizens? (c) Discuss the importance of responsible journalism in this context.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Ethics in Private and Public LifeHuman Values
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
While scientific research drives technological progress and societal development, its funding often raises ethical questions. What ethical concerns arise from corporate sponsorship of scientific research, and how can these be addressed?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceTechnology and Ethics
“We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do”- Molière.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Dimensions of EthicsIntegrity
Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life
Stakeholder Capitalism is suggested as a way forward in wake of social, economic and environment challenges posed by Shareholder Capitalism. Examine the relevant arguments in this debate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
Discuss the various ethical concerns associated with vaccine passport for international travel. Also, suggest the measures that can be taken to deal with these concerns.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
Is greed wholly a vice or a trait of character that has both positive and negative sides? Could you relate it to the utilitarian philosophy that emphasizes pursuit of self interest by individuals as the basis of economic well being? (b) Are there some things that money shouldn't buy? Illustrate with examples.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers
"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law."- Immanuel Kant
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
World ThinkersEthical Theories
Discuss how employee well-being and fairness can be balanced with efficiency and profitability in private organisations.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceWork Culture
The influence of ethical principles on shaping socially responsible behavior is widely acknowledged. How do ethical values facilitate individuals in cultivating a proactive and constructive attitude towards fulfilling their social responsibilities? Can the subjective nature of ethical principles lead to divergent attitudes regarding social responsibility?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Dimensions of EthicsAttitude
B. "I am a Moslem; I am a Hindu; I am a Christian; I am a Jew." Mahatma Gandhi. What did Mahatma Gandhi mean by the above statement? Some philosophers have argued that religion is harmful to the moral life, whereas others have claimed that it is necessary to it. Explain your position on the relationship between religion and morality.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
Certain actions can be right even though they do not maximize good consequences, for the rightness of such actions consists in their representing certain norms. Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Ethical TheoriesDimensions of Ethics
While on the one hand, some state governments have implemented alcohol consumption prohibition laws, it is permitted in other states. Debates around this issue often involves aspects such as individual rights, cultural attitudes and social welfare. As a teacher you need to explain the key issues involved to a young audience. What are these? How would you conclude the lecture?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2018
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in Private and Public Life
Marriages in India are transitioning from traditional sacramental unions to more autonomous relationships, reflected in live-in relationships and rising divorce rates. Discuss the ethical dimensions of these changes.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthics in Private and Public Life
Additionally, companies like BMW, Volvo, Google and Korean battery maker Samsung SDI, vowed in a statement to not buy metals produced from deep-sea mining until the environmental risks of the activity are "comprehensively understood." In the context of the above-stated information, address the following: (a) What are the ethical issues in the given case study? (b) How can the vision of economic development of a nation be achieved without adversely affecting the sustainability of oceans?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Environmental EthicsCorporate Governance
The increasing use of digital surveillance technologies for maintaining law and order is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics
'Knowledge gives us power, love gives us fullness.' - Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
The foreign policy of nations is primarily guided by national interests. Do you think the pursuit of such exclusive concerns leaves little scope for ethics in international relations? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."- Marcus Aurelius
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
An ethical action is rooted in the temporal and spatial dimensions of societies. Discuss with adequate examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Dimensions of Ethics
"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 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
"Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service"- Martin Luther King.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Human ValuesDedication to Public Service
You have recently graduated from college and are now preparing for the civil services examination. While reading the newspaper, you come across a news report of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), working for child rights, challenging a provision of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, in the Supreme Court of India. The said provision provides for the option of Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) to be tried as adults under certain circumstances. The NGO's plea is that children are not able to understand the gravity of crimes. It has also contended that the criminal acts committed by children are a reflection of failure of the society to take care of its children. In the context of this situation, as a young aspirant, answer the following questions: (a) What are the possible factors that can drive a child towards committing heinous crimes? (b) Is it ethical to punish children as adults rather than giving them a chance for reformation?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthics in Private and Public Life
"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." - Albert Einstein
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
It is morally permissible to perform an action in pursuit of a good end in full knowledge that the action might also bring about bad results. Critically examine the statement with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? "Good government...depends...(on) the qualities of the human beings composing the society over which the government is exercised." J.S Mill
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
World ThinkersCivil Service Values
Genetic editing has several applications with its potential to edit the genomes of both somatic and germ cells. This allows for the ability to not only cure genetic diseases but to edit the characteristics of future offspring. The last few years have seen the development of several efficient, more precise genetic engineering techniques. However, with growing sophistication, various issues of bioethics have also come to the forefront. (a) Discuss the ethical considerations associated with genome editing. (b) In the light of these ethical issues, provide an ethical framework on how this technology can be used for the betterment of humanity.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2023
Technology and EthicsDimensions of Ethics
Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value. Albert Einstein
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2019–2024
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
The transgender community has been a part of India's social set up since the very beginning but never recognized as a reputable part of the society. 'Hijra' is a term traditionally used in India for transgender women who were born male. The role and value of this community in accordance with the sacred Hindu texts condenses to the performance of blessings at marriage and birth ceremonies for good fortune. With the advent of the British Raj in the 19th century, the acts of "cross-dressing" were registered as a criminal offence and if such offences were committed repeatedly, imprisonment followed. Thus, began the criminalization of hijras. Today, although legally supported and socially empowered as compared to earlier times, hijras are still subject to transphobic discrimination-associated violence, poverty, and segregation. In light of the above, answer the following: (a) Identify the challenges faced by transgenders during the different stages of their life. (b) Discuss the reasons for the continuing discrimination against trangenders in India despite several initiatives for their upliftment in recent times.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Empathy and CompassionDimensions of Ethics