UPSC_CS MAINS 2014 Paper IV

“Human beings should always be treated as ‘ends’ in themselves and never as ‘means’.” Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving it’s implications in the modern techno-economic society.

Points to Remember: Kantian Ethics: The statement reflects Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative. Intrinsic Worth: Humans possess inherent dignity and value, irrespective of their usefulness. Modern Society Challenges: Technological advancements and economic pressures often compromise this principle. Ethical Implications: Exploitation of labor, data privacy violations, and algorithmic bias are key concerns. Way Forward: Regulations, ethical frameworks, … Read more

“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand with illustrations from modern day context.

Points to Remember: Integrity: Moral uprightness, honesty, and strong moral principles. Knowledge: Understanding and awareness gained through experience or education. The interplay between integrity and knowledge is crucial for positive societal impact. Lack of either element leads to negative consequences. Introduction: The quote “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is … Read more

“A mere compliance with law is not enough, the public servant also have to have a well-developed sensibility to ethical issues for effective discharge of duties” Do you agree? Explain with the help of two examples where:

Points to Remember: The core issue is the importance of ethical sensibility beyond mere legal compliance for public servants. The answer requires a balanced discussion with examples illustrating both legal compliance without ethical sensibility and ethical action exceeding legal requirements. The response should conclude with a way forward emphasizing ethical development in public service. Introduction: … Read more

(i) an act is ethically right, but not legally and

Points to Remember: The distinction between ethical and legal rightness. Examples of acts that are ethically right but legally wrong. The potential conflicts between ethical and legal frameworks. The importance of considering both ethical and legal dimensions in decision-making. Introduction: The question explores the complex relationship between ethics and law. While ideally, ethical and legal … Read more

What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome?

Points to Remember: Probity in public life means integrity, honesty, and incorruptibility in the conduct of public officials. Difficulties in practicing probity stem from political pressures, lack of transparency, weak institutional mechanisms, and societal factors. Overcoming these difficulties requires strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, enhancing accountability, and fostering a culture of ethics. Introduction: Probity in public … Read more

There is a heavy ethical responsibility on the public servants because they occupy positions of power,handle huge amounts of public funds, and their decisions have wide ranging impact on society and environment. What steps have you taken to improve your ethical competence to handle such responsibility?

Points to Remember: High ethical standards are crucial for public servants. Public servants handle significant power, funds, and societal impact. Continuous improvement of ethical competence is necessary. Transparency, accountability, and integrity are key ethical principles. Introduction: Public servants occupy positions of immense responsibility. Their actions directly influence the lives of citizens and the health of … Read more

It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However there is no dearth of instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a big way. What are the basic causes of corruption among people? Support your answer with examples.

Points to Remember: Poverty as a driver of corruption. Corruption among the affluent and powerful. Root causes of corruption: individual, systemic, and societal factors. Examples of corruption across different socioeconomic strata. Policy recommendations to combat corruption. Introduction: Corruption, the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, is a global scourge undermining development, eroding public trust, … Read more

What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants?

Points to Remember: Definition of accountability in public service. Individual vs. collective accountability. Mechanisms for ensuring accountability. Challenges in enforcing accountability. Recommendations for improvement. Introduction: Accountability in public service refers to the obligation of public servants to be answerable for their actions and decisions to the public, their superiors, and relevant oversight bodies. It’s a … Read more

“Human beings should always be treated as ‘ends’ in themselves and never as ‘means’.” Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving it’s implications in the modern techno-economic society.

Points to Remember: Kantian Ethics: The statement reflects Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative. Intrinsic Worth: Humans possess inherent dignity and value, irrespective of their usefulness. Modern Society Challenges: Technological advancements and economic pressures often compromise this principle. Ethical Implications: Exploitation of labor, data privacy violations, and algorithmic bias are key concerns. Way Forward: Regulations, ethical guidelines, … Read more

“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand with illustrations from modern day context.

Points to Remember: Integrity: Moral uprightness, honesty, and strong adherence to ethical principles. Knowledge: Understanding, awareness, and expertise in a particular field or subject. The interplay between integrity and knowledge is crucial for positive societal impact. Lack of either element leads to negative consequences. Introduction: The quote, “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but … Read more

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