A topper · GS4 · 58 pages

Archit Dongre: GS4 answer copy

13 answers by Archit Dongre, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as the first of all virtues.10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Discuss how social, cultural and religious factors act as determinants of ethics.10 marks
  3. Q2(a)Bring out the relevance of the teachings of Gautam Buddha in contemporary times.10 marks
  4. Q2(b)If one takes care of the means the end will take care of itself. Discuss.10 marks
  5. Q3(a)Explain the relevance of the following in the context of civil services:10 marks
  6. Q3(b)With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following: (150 words) 10 (i) Intelligence Quotient and Emotional Quotient (ii) Attitude and Aptitude10 marks
  7. Q4(a)What do you understand by political neutrality? Explain its significance in public service.10 marks
  8. Q4(b)There is more to integrity than honesty. Illustrate with examples. Also, suggest ways to inculcate integrity as a value in civil services.10 marks
  9. Q4(c)What do you understand by probity? Why is it considered essential for good governance?10 marks
  10. Q5(a)Although utilitarianism is arguably the most reason-based approach to determining right and wrong, it has obvious limitations. Discuss.10 marks
  11. Q5(b)What do you understand by ethical dilemma? Explain with examples, how it can lead to crisis of conscience.10 marks
  12. Q6(a)What is code of conduct? How is it different from code of ethics?10 marks
  13. Q6(b)Bring out the relevance of the seven principles of public life stated by the Nolan Committee in the Indian context, with the help of examples.10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 190 words written

Differentiating between courage and bravery, discuss why courage is often thought of as the first of all virtues.

Opening

Courage is the foremost virtue of a human being even according to Platos theory along with knowledge & temperence.

Bravery on the other hand is the active consequence of courage in the heart of a person.

Body · points and prose

Differences

Close · a summary

Courage preceeds bravery. A person without courage cannot be brave in times of difficulty.

Courage is not restricted to physical fearlessness but also applies to mental acts eg rape victim coming forward requires tremendous courage first & her

act of coming out is termed as a brave act.

Courage helps break down barriers of the mind & cause transformative changes while bravery looks beyond self-preservation & self-care. eg A person stepping up to a bully is an act of bravery whereas a person overcoming stage fright (transformative attitude) requires courage.

Courage is not quantifiable in acts within heirarchy but bravery can be heirarchichal eg Ant carrying 3 times its weight not less or more courageous than a soldier. But, a person overcoming stage fright cannot be said to be less brave than a soldier who puts his life on the line. Hence, Courage is the necessary condition for overcoming difficulty & showing bravery.