GS4 · Topic
Human Values
Values as such and where they come from: lessons from the lives of leaders, reformers and administrators, and the values named in the syllabus.
490 UPSC Mains GS4 questions on Human Values that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
"Governance must be built not only on institutions, but also on ideas." In this context, discuss the philosophical foundations that should underpin ethical governance. How do these ideas contribute to ensuring probity in public life?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Probity in GovernanceCivil Service Values
Given below are two statements. Bring out what you understand by them and discuss their relevance in the present context. (a) "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear"- Nelson Mandela
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. What do you understand by this statement? In your opinion, which five values should Indian education system inculcate in every student? Justify your choice.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
"Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame" - Benjamin Franklin.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Human ValuesEmotional Intelligence
'The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.'
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Human ValuesDimensions of Ethics
“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 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Dimensions of EthicsEmotional Intelligence
Morality is neither divine commands nor universal principle of thought rather practices developed by groups of human beings striving to avoid mutually harmful conflict and promote mutually beneficial cooperation. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2022
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Explain why superstitious beliefs and practices abound in India. In this context, discuss the importance of inculcating scientific temper to remove superstitions.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019–2022
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
While formal codes of conduct can sometimes be a useful guide, developing those traits of character that are particularly suited to the administrator's role is at the core of professional ethics. Identify five ethical attributes suitable for an administrator and explain how they can be developed.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Aptitude for Civil ServiceCivil Service Values
Given below are three quotations of great thinkers. What do each of these quotations convey to you in the present context? a) “Where do the evils like corruption arise from? It comes from the never-ending greed. The fight for corruption-free ethical society will have to be fought against this greed and replace it with ‘what can I give’ spirit.” - A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail."- Nelson Mandela
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Human ValuesAttitude
“A just society is that society in which an ascending sense of reverence and descending sense of contempt is dissolved into the creation of a compassionate society.” B R Ambedkar
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2018–2020
Human ValuesFamily, Society and Education
'Happiness is a mysterious thing, to be found somewhere between too little and too much.'
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Dimensions of EthicsHuman Values
Critically examine the role of educational institutions in shaping ethical decision-making skills in future civil servants. How effective are current educational paradigms in instilling ethical behaviour among the youth?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
"I slept and dreamt that life was a joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was a joy." Rabindra Nath Tagore
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Explain the meaning of the following quotations and discuss their contemporary relevance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Ethics in International RelationsHuman Values
Do you agree with feminist ethicists that women are "more emotional" and prioritise relationships over rules, reflecting different yet equally valuable ethical perspectives? Justify your viewpoints with suitable examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Given below are quotations of moral thinkers/philosophers. Bring out what they mean to you in the present context: (a) The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2019
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
"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
How can responsible and informed social media use be nurtured among children to make the internet a safer space for them?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Family, Society and EducationTechnology and Ethics
"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
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
Educational institutions complement the role of the family and the society in shaping our values. Discuss. Can digital education perform this value inculcation function effectively?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023
Family, Society and EducationHuman Values
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
"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