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.
There has been a perceptible rise in the cost of healthcare services provided by private hospitals. In absence of adequate and quality government hospitals, people are forced to opt for private hospitals, especially for life threatening diseases and injuries. You recently visit one of your friends admitted in a famous private hospital. You found out that the hospital is charging a huge amount of money, which seems to be unreasonable. You confront the staff and ask them to explain the rationale behind such high charges. Their response is that the charges are fair for the kind of services they are providing. (a) What are the ethical issues involved in this situation? (b) Given how other professions price their services, discuss the feasibility of capping the amount of fees charged by doctors and private hospitals. (c) How can the provision of quality services and need for profit be reconciled with society's interests in this case?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2017–2018
Corporate GovernanceEthical Dilemmas in Government
What is the significance of morality in day-to-day life? Give an example from your own life where you chose moral action and elaborate the reasons for your choice of that action.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Given below are two quotations of moral thinkers/ philosophers. For each of these, bring out what it means to you in the present context. (a) "Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly" - Mahatma Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Indian ThinkersIntegrity
There is a difference between what a person has a right to do and what the right thing to do is and often there is a conflict between these two. (a) Illustrate with examples the ethical issues that can arise because of such a conflict. (b) How does this conflict play out if someone wants to protest against injustice?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2017–2019
Law and MoralityDimensions of Ethics
While traditional ethics has focussed on notions of justice, fair allocation and obligations, ethics of care emphasise maintaining connectedness and promoting care. Which of the above two ethical perspectives is more suitable for guiding ethical decision making in the context of public services. Explain your position with suitable examples.
10 marks · 300 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Ethical TheoriesCivil Service Values
According to the WHO suicide is the second leading cause of death in the age group of 15-29 years globally. In India also, instances of young people committing suicide have been reported widely in recent times. It is all the more disturbing that such a phenomenon is increasingly visible in urban and prosperous areas. (a) What are the reasons that render people vulnerable to taking such drastic steps as suicide? (b) Also, discuss the role that you as an individual, the society and the government can play in addressing this issue.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
A broad ethical framework as a guiding light for international relations will not only ensure harmonious relations between nations but will also lead to progress of the human race. Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
"To achieve a good life, duty is not sufficient; one needs to develop one's sympathetic feelings for others, and neither duty alone nor good will alone are sufficient to be moral." Do you agree with the above statement? Justify your position.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Dimensions of EthicsEmpathy and Compassion
Gender inequality begins at home and then gets institutionalised at the societal level. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2021
Family, Society and EducationDimensions of Ethics
The moral worth of an action depends not on the consequences that flow from it, but on its motivation. Explain the statement with the help of suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Discuss the ethical issues involved in the recent refugee crisis and immigration as a global phenomenon from a broad perspective of globalisation and rights of citizens and aliens.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
If not faith leaders, what are your other options for breaking the behavioral barriers? (d) Do you think it is ethically right for a civil servant to involve faith leaders in promoting government schemes?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Social Influence and PersuasionEthical Dilemmas in Government
The universal adoption of common good approach poses the ethical dilemma of putting collective interests over and above the individual interests. Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Dilemmas in Government
The sharper the socio-economic disparities, the greater the incentive towards corruption. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
CorruptionProbity in Governance
"Reason may be essential in carrying out moral decisions, but the source of morality is human sentiment." David Hume
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
World ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
While some ethical approaches consider an action to be ethical based on results, other focus on means. Taking the example of Indian bureaucracy compare and examine how these approaches have played out for the benefit of citizens.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Ethical TheoriesEthical Dilemmas in Government
What does inequality mean to you? What are the different kinds of inequality? Is inequality morally wrong?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
What do you understand by the terms 'ethics' and 'integrity'? Do you think they are interrelated? Explain with examples the relationship between ethics and integrity in the context of public administration.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Dimensions of EthicsIntegrity
"Nonviolence is not servile passivity but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation". Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
What are the ethical principles that should form the basis of the system permitting organ donation and allocation? Also discuss the importance of regulation for the success of any organ transplant program.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of Ethics
What do you understand by Amartya Sen's 'capability approach'? Analyse its significance in understanding social realities and in making a pro poor development strategy.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2019
Indian ThinkersWorld Thinkers
“Men must have corrupted nature a little, for they were not born wolves, and they have become wolves.”
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Does the suffering of individuals in one part of the world generate moral demands of assistance on those foreigners who live far away from them? Are these moral demands of assistance justified? Can governments be held morally responsible for failing to help the international community in times of deprivation? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
There can be honesty without integrity, but no integrity without honesty. Do you agree? Justify your stand with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
IntegrityCivil Service Values
"Duty forms the cornerstone of administrative ethics, yet without integration of other ethical perspectives, it risks becoming mechanical compliance." Discuss how the interplay of duty, virtue, principle, and consequences can enrich ethical decision-making in public administration.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Civil Service ValuesEthical Theories
'Unconscious biases in parenting continue to shape gendered experiences in India.' Do you agree with this view? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
The mind of the superior man is conversant with righteousness; the mind of the mean man is conversant with gain. Confucius.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2019–2023
World ThinkersHuman Values
What do you mean by social justice? Explain with examples, why it is imperative for a society to promote social justice.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2016–2018
Dimensions of EthicsEmpathy and Compassion
What do each of the following quotations mean to you? (a) Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. – Martin Luther King Jr.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2021
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
The current society is witnessing rising levels of intolerance. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can one do at the personal level to become tolerant?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2025
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education