Ethics and human interface
A. Essence, determinants and consequence in human actions
B. Dimensions of ethics
C. Ethics in private and public relationship
Applied ethics and Environment
1. Keeping the national security in mind, examine the ethical dilemmas related to
controversies over environmental clearance of development projects in ecologically
sensitive border areas in the country. 2025 10
2. Gobal warming and climate change are the outcomes of human greed in the name of
development, indicating the direction in which extinction of organisms including human
beings is heading towards loss of life on Earth. How do you put an end to this to protect
life and bring equilibrium between the society and the environment ? 2024 10
3. Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley
bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it
resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies? 2018 10
4. What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to study? Discuss any one
environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics. 2015 10
Applied ethics and technology
1. In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and
interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the
key ethical dilemmas in this regard. 2025 10
2. The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependable source of input for
administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the
statement from the ethical point of view. 2024 10
3. Online methodology is being used for day-to-day meetings, institutional approvals in the
administration and for teaching and learning in the education sector to the extent
telemedicine in the health sector is getting popular with the approvals of the competent
authority. No doubt it has advantages and disadvantages for both the beneficiaries and
the system at large. Describe and discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of online
methods particularly to vulnerable sections of society. 2022 10
4. Impact of digital technology as a reliable source of input for rational decision making is a
debatable issue. Critically evaluate with a suitable example. 2021 10
5. The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are in
conflict with traditional values. Discuss. 2020 10
Consequences of ethics
1. It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure the smooth
functioning of an organization/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human
life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his
day-to-day functioning? 2022 10
2. Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components
of Comprehensive National Power (CNP) viz. human capital, soft power (culture and
policies), and social harmony. 2020 10
3. Increased national wealth did not result in equitable distribution of its benefits. It has
created only some “enclaves of modernity and prosperity for a small minority at the cost
of the majority.” Justify. 2017 10
4. Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. 2016 10
5. The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are the consequences
of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well-being? What can you do at
the personal level to make yourself trustworthy? 2014 10
Determinants of ethics
1. “The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out
to be unjust in today’s context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to
prevent miscarriage of justice.” Examine the above statement with suitable examples.
2024 10
2. “Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and
organizations towards morally responsible behaviour.” Explain the key dimen sions of
ethics that influence human actions Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical
decision-making in the professional context. 2024 10
3. Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither
the law, nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly.
What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in contemporary
times. 2017 10
4. Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others
strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your
perception in this regard with due justification. 2013 10
Essence of ethics
1. Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them. 2020
2. It is often said that ‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together. What is your opinion in this
regard? Justify your answer with illustrations. 2013 10
Teleology vs deontology
1. With regard to morality of actions, one view is that means are of paramount importance
and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more
appropriate? Justify your answer. 2018
2. Human beings should always be treated as ‘ends’ in themselves and never as merely
‘means’. Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in
the modern techno-economic society. 2014
Term based
1. Differentiate ‘moral intuition’ from ‘moral reasoning’ with suitable examples. 2023 10
2. Write short notes on the following in 30 words each : (i) Constitutional morality (ii)
Conflict of interest (iii) Probity in public life (iv) Challenges of digitalization (v) Devotion to
duty 2022 10
3. Examine the relevance of the following in the context of civil service: (a) Transparency
(b) Accountability (c) Fairness and justice (d) Courage of conviction (e) Spirit of service.
2017 10
4. Differentiate between the following (200 words); a) Law and Ethics; b) Ethical
management and Management of ethics; c) Discrimination and Preferential treatment; d)
Personal ethics and Professional ethics 2015 10
5. What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (5 terms
x 3 marks each: a) Integrity b) Perseverance c) Spirit of service d) Commit ment e)
Courage of conviction f) Personal opinion 2013 15
EHI
- human values lessons from lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and
administrators
- Role of family, society, and EI in inculcating values
Teaching of great leaders
1. What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary
world. 2025 10
2. What were the major teachings of Guru Nanak? Explain their relevance in the con
temporary world. 2023 10
3. What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India ? Discuss the
contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard. 2020 10
4. What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss. 2020 10
5. “Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform
very good or very bad acts. It all depends on the principles which direct them.” –
Napoleon Bonaparte. Stating examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society
and country, (ii) who worked for the development of society and country. 2017 10
6. Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven sins. 2016 10
7. Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of ethical conduct in
life? Give the gist of his/her teachings giving specific examples, describe how you have
been able to apply these teachings for your own ethical development. 2014 10
Crisis of ethical values
1. “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your
opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society? 2023 10
2. The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good
life. Discuss. 2017 10
3. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country.
Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of such incidences is on the rise.
Suggest some innovative measures to tackle this menace. 2014 10
4. Social values are more important than economic values. Discuss the above state ment
with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation. 2015 10
5. All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to
you? Explain with examples. 2014 10