AIR 12 · CSE 2024 · GS4 · 48 pages

Ashi Sharma: GS4 answer copy

6 answers by Ashi Sharma, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1Ethics is a normative science guiding us what to do and what not to do. But the basis of this decision is not solely determined by reason, feelings also an important role.
  2. Q2(a)Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do; both traditional and care ethics guide public officials in this regard.
  3. Q3(a)Public service attitude reflects core public service values of honesty, devotion to duty, justice, fairness to ensure public interest and well being. Discuss the significance of such an attitude and mention the common biases that influence decision making in the field. 3(B) 'Religion is the opium of the masses'. Examine the statement and discuss the role of religion in moral life.
  4. Q4While public servants are guided by duty, laws, rules, regulations etc the influence of our traditional wisdom can also serve as a moral foundation to guide their conduct.
  5. Q5Decision making is the essence of administration, but this is a highly complex process which often deals with conflicts namely among interests and sources of authority.
  6. Q5(cs 6)65% of the population lives in villages, rural development is crucial for their progress, but financial irregularities retard this progress.

The answers

Question 1 · 366 words written

Ethics is a normative science guiding us what to do and what not to do. But the basis of this decision is not solely determined by reason, feelings also an important role.

Opening · no separate opening

None written.

Body · points and prose

Feelings and Ethical Life Humans are complex socio-psychological beings. Our decisions are guided by emotions as much as reason. This is why we don't have perfect rationality and our rationality is bounded by our feelings.

Impact of feelings on ethical decisions

(1) feelings help us develop the ability to inculcate empathy for the suffering of others (eg) Mother Teresa for poor. (2) feelings help us understand and interpret our own subjective reality (eg) death of loved one triggers grief.

(3) feelings help us cultivate pro social behaviour (eg) one who feels respect for women will never indulge in eve teasing

(4) feelings help us guide away from anti-social and unethical behaviour (eg) a person who cares for animals will be immediately disgusted by instances of animal cruelty.

(5) feelings bind humanity together (eg) Vasudeva kutumbakam

But at the same time we should avoid the trap of indulging in emotive decision making, (eg) Drithrastra's blind love for his sons led to a disaster.

Diagram
- Two overlapping circles - Left circle labeled 'reason' - Right circle labeled 'emotion' - Overlapping shaded region labeled 'ethical DM'

To have an ethical life we must find the balance between reason and emotion.

(B) Ethics management is a practice to cultivate and encourage ethical decision making based on a strong value system. In public life it ensures professionalism in administration and in furtherance of public interest.

Managing ethics at workplaceManaging budgets, policies, people
(1) Is a qualitative exercise(1) Is an objective quantitative evaluation
(2) Ideal with adherence to values of honesty, integrity, justice(2) Deal with ensuring rule of law, efficiency, effectiveness and economy.
(3) Concerned with ethical issues, dilemmas, crisis of conscience(3) Concerned with grievance redressal, inter departmental coordination etc.

Therefore given the contrasting nature, demands and processes involved; public officials need to develop different techniques for ethical management

Efficacy of Codes

(1) Codes of Conduct by clearly outlining the do's and don'ts help deter possibility of misconduct and unethical behaviour.

(2) Codes of Ethics lay out broad values which public officials must adhere to in their conduct, thereby motivating them to be ethical.

Diagram
- limitations - codes of conduct need to enforced by an authority - code of ethics can't be enforced and are subjectively interpreted
Diagram
- More solutions - sensitivity training - capacity building (eg Mission Karamayogi) - platforms for discussing ethical dilemmas and issues for public officials - increasing exposure of good role models

Close

Ethical management can help ensure Indian administration is able to live upto the slogan of "Yogah Karamasu Kaushalam".