GS4 · Practice questions
Ethical Theories
35 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
"With great power comes great responsibility." In the present context, 'Big Tech' headquartered in developed countries wield disproportionate influence over digital infrastructure, personal data, and global narratives—often prioritising profit over ethical considerations. What ethical principles should guide such corporations in building a fair, inclusive, and just global digital framework?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2025
Corporate GovernanceTechnology and 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
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
"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
"Gandhian ethics emphasize purity of means, truth, and moral courage even when outcomes are uncertain." Critically evaluate whether such absolutist ethics are compatible with the demands of modern public administration, where administrative realism and pragmatism are often necessary.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Indian ThinkersEthical Theories
"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
“We are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we fail to do”- Molière.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Dimensions of EthicsIntegrity
"Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law."- Immanuel Kant
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
World ThinkersEthical Theories
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
"Your goodness is an impediment in your way, so let your eyes be red with anger, and try to fight the injustice with a firm hand."- Sardar Patel
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Indian ThinkersHuman Values
"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
"The recognition of the horrors of nuclear weapons should compel nations to move towards meaningful disarmament. However, geopolitical interests continue to hinder genuine progress in this direction. What are the ethical considerations of nuclear states to pursue global disarmament, and how can the international community balance security concerns with the moral imperative of a nuclear-free world?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Ethics in International RelationsDimensions of Ethics
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