Mains Practice Questions

Q. Discuss the concept of moral particularism. How does it challenge traditional rule-based ethical frameworks? (150 words)

Q. How does the idea of 'moral agency' influence the responsibility of individuals in positions of power? (150 words)

Q. Examine the ethical significance of 'intent' versus 'outcome' in public service. How should civil servants weigh these factors in decision-making? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical significance of the 'Golden Mean' How can this concept be applied to achieve balance in public policy decisions? (150 words)

Q. What is the 'ethics of care'? Contrast it with traditional ethical theories and discuss its significance in public administration. (150 words)

Q. 'The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated’.- Mahatma Gandhi
Discuss the ethical dimensions of animal welfare in the context of India's socio-cultural and economic realities. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the role of emotions in moral decision-making. Are emotions a hindrance or a help to ethical reasoning? (150 words)

Q. “Happiness is the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.” - Aristotle
Discuss the relationship between virtue, character, and happiness in the context of public service.(150 words)

Q.Discuss the relationship between law and ethics. How do they complement and conflict with each other? (150 words)

Q. "Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached."- Swami Vivekananda. What ethical principles can guide us in achieving our goals without compromising our values? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the concept of "natural law" and its place in ethical reasoning. Do you believe there are universal moral laws inherent in nature? (150 words)

Q. Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means." What qualities and approaches are necessary to resolve conflicts ethically and peacefully? (150 words)

Q. Explain the concept of cardinal virtues and how they can be applied to ethical decision-making in a bureaucratic environment. (150 words)

Q. Discuss how ethical egoism and ethical altruism influence decision-making in a professional setting. (150 words)

Q. Discuss how the principles of Gandhian ethics can be applied in the context of contemporary public service? (150 words)

Q. Compare and contrast Virtue Ethics with Consequentialism. Which approach do you think is most valuable for building a strong ethical character in a civil servant? (150 words)

Q. The concept of intrinsic value suggests that nature has value independent of its utility to humans. Discuss the ethical implications of this perspective on environmental policymaking. (150 words)

Q. Critically examine the relationship between rights and duties in a democracy. How do individual rights sometimes come into conflict with societal duties? (150 words)

Q.  Explore the contrasting approaches of the Ethics of Care and the Ethics of Justice.  Discuss how a civil servant might navigate situations where these ethical principles seem to conflict.  (150 words)

Q. Ethical relativism suggests morality is relative to a particular culture or society. Discuss. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the ethical concerns surrounding social media use by public servants. Propose guidelines for ethical conduct based on public service values. (150 words)

Q. Distinguish between distributive justice and procedural justice. How can principles of equity be incorporated into legal and social frameworks to ensure a just society? (150 words)

Q. Discuss the ethical theories of utilitarianism and deontology. How do these theories differ in their approach to decision-making? (150 words)

Q. Emerging Brain computer interface technologies are blurring the lines between human and machine interaction. Analyze the ethical implications associated with advancements in BCIs. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the concept of conflict of interest in public service. How should a civil servant handle situations where personal interests clash with professional duties? (150 words)

Q. "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." - C.S. Lewis. Discuss in the context of ethical conduct in public administration and its impact on public trust. (150 words)

Q. Analyze the impact of compassion on policy making and its importance in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. (150 words)

Q. What does this quote convey to you in the present context -

“The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.” – Confucius (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the benefits and limitations of objectivity in maintaining public trust and ensuring fair governance. (150 Words)

Q. In what ways do impartiality and nonpartisanship contribute to the ethical integrity of public service? Discuss practical challenges associated with maintaining these principles, along with strategies for their effective implementation. (250 words)