GS4 · Topic
Ethical Theories
A named framework used as a framework: consequentialism and utilitarianism, deontology and duty, virtue ethics, care ethics, and the tensions between them.
108 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Ethical Theories that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2013–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Giving suitable examples, define and differentiate between 'Ethical Universalism' and 'Ethical Relativism'.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
We live in a time when almost everything can be bought and sold. Over the past few years, markets and market values have come to govern our lives as never before. Today the logic of buying and selling no longer applies to material good alone but increasingly governs the whole of life. However, there is a wide spread realization that markets have become detached from morals and we need to somehow reconnect them. The use of markets to allocate social goods has also been a cause of concern. In this context, answer the following: (a) 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 2 toppers · CSE 2018
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Differentiate moral absolutism from ethical pluralism with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Do you think that ethical principles are universal in nature? Justify your answer with relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
What are the ethical concerns surrounding developed nations setting climate targets for developing countries without providing adequate financial support?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethics in International RelationsEnvironmental Ethics
"Starvation must not be used as a weapon of war." Yet, parties involved in conflicts often resort to the blockade of food and medical aid to civilians in conflict zones, deepening the humanitarian crisis. Powerful nations, despite their capacity to intervene, tend to prioritise strategic interests over humanitarian concerns. What ethical considerations should guide powerful nations in preventing such actions and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Theories
The end cannot justify the means, for the simple and obvious reason that the means employed determine the nature of the ends produced. Discuss with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsIndian Thinkers
Recently, the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor were shot down by the police while they were in police custody. The police claimed that the four accused were taken to the site of the rape in the early hours of the morning. They managed to snatch two pistols from the policemen, fired and injured two cops, and were shot in retaliation. Soon thereafter, a majority of the public welcomed the news of the police shooting the alleged rapists. Why is it that people applaud these actions of the police? Do you share such sentiments? Justify with relevant arguments.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentLaw and Morality
The different ethical principles account to changed area of focus based on their thoughts and prioritization. 2(b) Quality in service delivery refers to overcoming 'just doing duty' with a sense of transparency, accountability and responsibility with ethical governance. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Civil Service ValuesQuality of Service Delivery
Do you think the utilitarian approach can be the foundation of morals and legislation?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical TheoriesWorld Thinkers
Bring out Gandhiji's philosophy of Means and Ends.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Indian ThinkersEthical Theories
Differentiate 'Consequentialism' from 'Deontological Ethics' with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Ethical Theories
Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical TheoriesWorld Thinkers
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Elaborate this Aristotelian ethics with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
World ThinkersEthical Theories
"In contemporary societies witnessing erosion of moral values, legalistic and utilitarian ethical systems often fall short in addressing deeper questions of character and moral motivation." In this context, can virtue ethics offer a sustainable foundation for ethical revival? Critically examine with particular reference to the role of public leadership and responsibility of citizens.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethical TheoriesIndian Thinkers
Explain briefly what you understand by: Which one makes the most sense to you and why? Give examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Ethical TheoriesDimensions of Ethics
What does the quote mean to you? (a) "Glory lies in the attempt to reach one's goal and not in reaching it."-Gandhi.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersEthical Theories
What is Kant's categorical imperative? How does it compare with the doctrine of Nishkama Karma?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Indian ThinkersWorld Thinkers
You are a Foreign Service official working in an embassy overseas. One of your duties was to liaise with the local Indian community, one of the country's largest immigrant groups. A group of wealthy Indian immigrants wanted to build a place of worship and a school to promote their language and culture. The school was intended to act as a center for promoting and preserving Indian culture among the immigrants. The Indian community leaders went through all the legal procedures to acquire the land, got the building plans approved by the city council, and with all the approvals in place, the construction work began. A few months into the construction, the locals started complaining about noise, and slowly a campaign began against the construction of a religious structure. The local city councilors joined in and raised the issue of how Indian immigrants having their own cultural space will lead to a similar demand from other immigrant communities. And this may escalate intolerance among different ethnic groups. The local politicians filed a public lawsuit to halt the construction and demolish whatever was built. Indian community responded with their lawsuit and approached the embassy for help. They wanted the Ambassador to take up the issue with the government. Meanwhile, the Ambassador deputed you to meet the Indian community leaders to understand the issue and prepare a report. You met with the community leaders and found that the reason for local antipathy towards the Indian community was just an expression of latent racism and intolerance. You presented your observations to the Ambassador and requested him to do something as the Indians were on the right and were being victims of racist behavior. The Ambassador, in turn, replied that he would not like to get involved in local politics. The Indians were citizens of that country; they had nothing to do with India besides ethnicity. Further, a crucial Economic agreement was about to be signed between the two countries in the coming weeks, and he did not want to jeopardize the growing relations between the two countries over some local politics. You were shocked to see economics getting priority over the diaspora. (a) What are the issues involved in the above case? (b) Do you agree with the Ambassador's position of prioritizing economics over helping the diaspora? Why/why not? (c) Among Care, Consequentialism, and Duty, what do you think is the appropriate perspective to guide Indian Foreign policy? Justify.
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Dilemmas in Government
All nations give first priority to their citizens for example they are given some constitutional rights which are not enjoyed by people of other countries. Doesn't it show giving preference to citizen over human? Is it ethically justifiable to divide people on the basis of citizenship, that is, territorial sovereignty? Illustrate and explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
Test of morality goes beyond doing a simple cost benefit analysis. Discuss with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for the people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment. (b) Discuss John Stuart Mill's idea on freedom of thought and expression. Also, give reasons as to why, according to Mill, representative democracy is the best form of government despite its inherent weaknesses.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
World ThinkersEthical Theories
Administrative decision-making is an art that involves careful examination of the situation in order to produce just outcomes. Explain with the help of an example.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthical Theories
Compare and contrast Ethical egoism and Ethical Altruism. Substantiate your answer with relevant examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Ethical Theories
Current & time countries are facing brunt of climate change through rising sea level, extreme weather events. In this context Developed countries setting climate targets without devolving any substantial funds raises ethical questions.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Ethics in International RelationsEnvironmental Ethics
In the ethical application there are no solid black or white but only shades of grey. Discuss with examples. Q2. Every year lakhs of aspirants fill civil services forms guided by various motivating factors. What is your motivation to join civil services? Q3. Pandemic was an exceptional situation that has effects on every aspect of human life. Discuss the ethical principles guiding the government's public health policy making. Q6. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to make rational decisions by controlling and understanding your emotions. Discuss its components relevant to public service. Q3(a). 'A man is what he thinks'. Explain how values impact individual's behaviour. Q. Distinguish between Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct and Rules and Regulations for a civil servant. Q4(a). The quote talks about the circular nature of Dharma. Explain the interconnectedness of Dharma, Artha, and Governance. Q4(b). Why is it important that a human maintains his crisis of conscience to live a peaceful and mentally stable life? Q4(c). Humility is the absence of ego. Explain why it is difficult to achieve.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
What do you understand by utilitarianism? Illustrate with examples the grounds on which it has been criticized.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
Ethical TheoriesWorld Thinkers
Goodness is the result of internal response to what is right not an outcome from moral rules or laws. In this context, do you agree? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Leaders during freedom movement made use of religious symbols to awaken the consciousness and fight for India's Independence -> The greater good
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
What do you understand by the concept of 'altruistic-hedonism'? Discuss in the context of public ethics.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories