UPSC Mains PYQs: Ethics

“The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

In the context of defence services, 'patriotism' demands readiness to even lay down one's life in protecting the nation. According to you, what does patriotism imply in everyday life? Explain with illustrations and justify your answer.

All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples.

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 the modern context.

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.

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.

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

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?

What factors affect the formation of a person's attitude towards social problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many social problems. What contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes?

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?

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.

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?

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.

What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in public administration?

What do you understand by the term 'voice of conscience'? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience?

It is often said that 'politics' and 'ethics' do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations.

What is meant by 'crisis of conscience'? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same.

Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer.

I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies. —Aristotle

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) Commitment e) Courage of conviction f) Personal opinion