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.
Courage is the first of human qualities because it's the quality that guarantees the others.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
A. "It is wrong to assume that ethical decisions are, can or should be purely rational and principled. Human feelings are an inseparable part of our ethical life." In what way do feelings impact our ethical decisions? Illustrate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) "Each individual is capable of transforming his immediate environment by attempting a radical transformation inside him". - J Krishnamurti
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
"It is not always the same thing to be a good person and a good citizen." Explain the meaning of this statement and analyse its implications for a democratic society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Ethics in Private and Public LifeLaw and Morality
While in principle most nations claim commitment to universal values, in practice these values are honoured more in breach than in the observance. In context of this statement, comment on the relevance of values in foreign policy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
"The heart of the ethical dilemma is not the absence of values but the presence of competing responsibilities." Discuss how ethical dilemmas in public administration often emerge from the clash of legitimate obligations rather than moral ambiguity. Illustrate with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of Ethics
Various studies have found out that cases of depression and mental illness have increased exponentially in the recent past. Also, in the age group of 15-30 years, this problem is further pronounced. Furthermore, the rising trend of suicides in this age group has been attributed to depression. Given the situation, answer the following questions: (a) Present an ethical critique of the prevalent societal attitude towards mental illness. (b) Given the magnitude of the problem among younger generation/young adults, analyse the role of the following:
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2021
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
"Morality is based neither on the principle of utility, nor on a law of nature, but on human reason. But human reason can be fallible." Comment., What does morality mean to you?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
"A politics of confession that encourages politicians and parties to confess and offer regret for their errors can surely be a cathartic experience." Examine the statement from the ethical point of view.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Ethics in Private and Public LifeCivil Service Values
Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance. "To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Given below are two quotations. For each of these bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) The golden rule of conduct is mutual toleration, seeing that we will never all think alike and we shall always see Truth in fragment and from different points of vision. Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
"The challenge of power lies in its responsible application rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use - specifically, how to motivate those in power to serve the public rather than exploit it." Analyse the relationship between power and public service. Do you believe that the concept of power conflicts with the ideal of service, or do they complement each other? Substantiate your viewpoint.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Civil Service ValuesAccountability and Ethical Governance
"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." What does this quotation mean to you? Explain with an example.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2016–2019
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
A. “There is only one responsibility of business, namely to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits.” Do you think corporations, by indulging in social responsibilities, are compromising their core resource utilisation and production responsibility by diverting resources into unproductive social endeavours?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Corporate GovernanceCivil Service Values
Income inequality is a matter of grave concern for the Indian society. In this context, examine the relevance of Gandhiji's concepts of 'Sarvodaya' and 'Trusteeship'.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
The moral circle of humanity has been expanding constantly over time. Discuss in this context whether non-human entities should have the same rights as humans beings.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021
Environmental EthicsDimensions of Ethics
“A sense of duty is useful in work, but offensive in personal relations.” Russell
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethics in Private and Public LifeDimensions of Ethics
“Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.” Plato
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values." - Ayn Rand.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Human ValuesWorld Thinkers
Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, irrespective of individuals' religious affiliations. In the context of the ongoing discourse on UCC in India, examine the challenges that arise when attempting to reconcile legal principles with diverse moral considerations. To what extent should the law be influenced by moral/religious principles?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Law and MoralityDimensions of Ethics
"Man by nature is a political animal". Explain with reference to Aristotle's idea of the state in life of the society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
Self doubt can both help and hinder leadership. Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Dimensions of EthicsAptitude for Civil Service
"To tolerate is purely an act of the mind. That is the essence of virtue. To tolerate is a strength."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Megha is a first-year sociology student at a reputed college in the national capital. She is originally from Tadchiroli, a tribal village in a western Indian state. Megha's family migrated to the city when she was seven years old and had not visited their village since. Though Megha has fond memories of her childhood there, she never deeply understood the customs and traditions of the region. One day, Megha expresses her wish to visit Tadchiroli. Her father agrees and asks her to inform Ratan, her paternal uncle, who still lives in the village with his family. Megha informs Ratan and travels to the village during a semester break. Upon arrival, she receives a warm welcome from Ratan and his family. Later, Ratan invites her to attend a local festival. During the event, Megha notices that her cousin Rinki is missing. Curious, she asks Ratan's wife Ratna why Rinki is not at the festival. Ratna explains that Rinki is on her period, and as per tradition, menstruating girls must stay separately in small huts built specifically for the purpose. Locally known as 'kurma ghars', they are generally located on the periphery of the village, near a river or pond. She further adds that these girls are not allowed to enter the main house or participate in any social or religious activities. Megha is taken aback. She asks whether all women follow this practice. Ratna nods and says it has been the custom for generations. Even schoolgirls stay in these huts and miss classes during their periods. Ratna admits that many in the village, including herself, never questioned the practice. The explanation unsettles Megha. She finds it hard to believe that a natural biological function leads to such exclusion. Before returning to the city, Megha observes that even educated family members seem to accept and follow these customs. The experience leaves a deep impact on her. She starts reading more about menstrual taboos and their impact on women's health, dignity, and education. As a sociology student, she recognises how such traditions are linked to patriarchy and social stigma. She begins to reflect on what she can do at her level to improve the current situation, without alienating the community or disrespecting its traditions. a. Suggest a course of action Megha can take to sensitize her village community without appearing disrespectful or confrontational. b. What ethical principles and methods should guide her actions while engaging with the community? c. How is menstruation related to human rights?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2025
Human ValuesEmpathy and Compassion
"Why should a man be moral? Because it strengthens his will." - Swami Vivekanand. In this perspective, discuss the significance of morality for bringing efficiency and effectiveness in public administration. Do you think moral rigidity can be a hindrance in good governance?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Civil Service ValuesIndian Thinkers
"Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act." - Aristotle
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
"I care only for the Spirit - when that is right, everything will be righted by itself". Swami Vivekananda.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
The issue of marital rape is often ignored due to the belief that marriage is a sacred institution. In this context, discuss whether marital rape should be criminalised.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Law and MoralityDimensions of Ethics
"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." Martin Luther King Jr
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2023
Dimensions of EthicsWorld Thinkers