GS4 · Practice questions
Ethical Theories
34 questions match. Years are the CSE year of the toppers who answered.
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What do you understand by "integrity-based civil disobedience"? Do you think a challenge to personal integrity can be a justifiable cause for responsible disobedience in civil services? Explain.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 11 toppers · CSE 2021–2025
IntegrityEthical Dilemmas in Government
Technical efficiency ensures resource utilization and social efficiency ensures fulfillment of social needs, what does ethical efficiency ensure? Do you think ethical efficiency is more important than technical and social efficiency? Why/Why not?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 10 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Dimensions of EthicsCivil Service Values
"It is our first duty to serve society, and after we have done that, we may attend wholly to the salvation of our souls."
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Human ValuesIndian Thinkers
Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 9 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
Analyse the ethical implications of the widening gap between rich and poor nations. Is there a moral obligation for developed countries to assist developing ones?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
The ongoing debate on euthanasia poses several ethical questions. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
"I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence."- Mahatma Gandhi
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Indian ThinkersDimensions of Ethics
The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita offer valuable lessons for ethical conduct in public service. Discuss the relevance of these teachings in navigating the ethical issues of administration in contemporary India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Indian ThinkersCivil Service Values
The logic of limitless wealth lies in the basic human instinct for furthering self-interest in the form of profit. In this context, do you think there is a possibility of pursuing ethical capitalism?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Corporate GovernanceDimensions of Ethics
“May you live your life as if the maxim of your actions were to become universal law.”
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
World ThinkersEthical Theories
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
"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
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
"Ideas are the cornerstone of a strong public service framework globally." In the context of this statement, discuss the ideas of a philosopher whose ideas you believe are most pertinent to the civil services in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Indian ThinkersCivil Service Values
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
Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a senior IAS officer, is posted as Principal Secretary of the Department of Urban Development. Mr. Kumar oversees a major infrastructure project to transform a densely populated urban slum into a modern residential area with improved amenities. Mr. Kumar’s “Urban Renewal Initiative” project involves a multi-phase plan. The first phase focuses on relocating residents to temporary housing while construction begins on new apartment complexes. The project includes the installation of modern sewage systems, clean drinking water facilities, community healthcare centres, and schools. The overarching goal is to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the slum dwellers, offering them a path to better opportunities and living standards. However, the project faces stiff opposition from a local political leader, Mr. Sharma, who has considerable influence in the area. Mr. Sharma argues that the redevelopment will displace many residents and disrupt their lives. While these concerns are valid, it is also evident that Mr. Sharma's opposition is motivated by his vested interest in maintaining control over the vote bank in the slum. His opposition to the project stems from a fear of losing this power if the residents' living conditions improve and they become less reliant on his patronage. In a private meeting, Mr. Sharma proposes a deal to Mr. Kumar. If the government awards construction contracts to firms controlled by Mr. Sharma's associates and family members, he will withdraw his opposition and support the project. This deal would expedite the project, ensuring the residents receive the promised benefits immediately. However, agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean compromising on the ethical principles of transparency and fairness in public procurement. Mr. Kumar was in a moral bind. Agreeing to Mr. Sharma's terms would mean engaging in corrupt practices, and rejecting the deal could delay or even derail the project, depriving the slum residents of much-needed improvements to their living conditions. (a) What are the ethical issues and dilemmas in the above case? (b) Considering the utilitarian perspective, do you think Mr. Kumar should have accepted Mr. Sharma's proposal to expedite the project for the greater good of the slum residents? Why or why not? (c) In the context of virtue ethics, discuss the importance of moral character and integrity for a senior civil servant like Mr. Kumar. How should these virtues guide his actions in resolving the dilemma?
20 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentEthical Theories
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
What do you understand by the term 'situation ethics'? Critically analyze its strengths and weaknesses in making moral judgements.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories
"There is growing evidence that when it comes to moral judgment, human beings appear to be best characterised not as intuitive Deontologists or Consequentialists but as intuitive virtue theorists." Critically analyse the statement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethical TheoriesDimensions of Ethics
"Global challenges often test the ethical fiber of nations, urging them to channel narrow pursuit of national-interest into an enlightened self-interest." Enumerating the various ethical principles underlying the concept of enlightened national-interest examine its efficacy in helping nations navigate the fine line between pursuing their strategic interests and upholding ethical principles, particularly in times of conflict?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Ethics in International RelationsEthical Theories
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
Do you think it is ethically justified for political leaders to violate the deepest constraints of morality in order to achieve great goods or avoid disasters for their communities? Justify your position with suitable examples
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethical Dilemmas in GovernmentDimensions of Ethics
A. 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 · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Ethical TheoriesCivil Service Values
The means used shape the outcome, so the ends cannot justify the means. Discuss with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Dimensions of EthicsEthical Theories