APSC MAINS 2020 Paper-4

“If people are good only because they fear punishment and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed.” (Albert Einstein) Examine the essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human actions in the light of this statement.

Points to Remember: The nature of morality: Is it intrinsically motivated or extrinsically driven? Determinants of ethical behavior: Fear, reward, conscience, empathy, social norms. Consequences of ethical/unethical actions: Individual and societal impact. The role of law and social structures in shaping ethical conduct. Introduction: Albert Einstein’s poignant statement, “If people are good only because they … Read more

As a civil servant, you are in charge of a government housing project for the weaker sections, but the construction will result in clearing forest land that houses endangered species. How do you respond to this situation in the context of global warming and sustainable development?

Points to Remember: Subscribe on YouTube Balancing the need for affordable housing with environmental protection. Considering the impact on endangered species and biodiversity. Addressing concerns related to global warming and sustainable development. Exploring alternative solutions and mitigation strategies. Ensuring transparency and public participation in decision-making. Introduction: The provision of affordable housing for weaker sections of … Read more

Increased national wealth need not mean an increase in per capita income of all citizens. Equitable distribution of wealth is still a distant dream in India. Critically analyze this statement in the context of contemporary Indian economy and society.

Points to Remember: Join Our Telegram Channel Uneven wealth distribution in India despite increasing national wealth. Factors contributing to income inequality. Consequences of unequal wealth distribution. Policy recommendations for equitable distribution. Introduction: India’s economy has experienced significant growth in recent decades, leading to a substantial increase in national wealth. However, this growth hasn’t translated into … Read more

A young Dalit man has migrated to a city for employment but is unable to find work or accommodation due to lack of identity proof. He approaches municipal officials who respond differently—apathetic, sympathetic, empathetic, and compassionate. How would you judge these attitudes? Why are empathy and compassion important for civil servants?

Keywords: Dalit, migration, employment, accommodation, identity proof, apathy, sympathy, empathy, compassion, civil servants. Subscribe on YouTube Required Approach: Analytical and opinion-based, grounded in factual understanding of social issues and the role of civil servants. Points to Remember: Different responses of municipal officials to a marginalized individual’s plight. The importance of empathy and compassion in public … Read more

You are head of an irrigation department in a drought-prone district, and the department’s reputation has been tainted by corruption. What steps would you take for the welfare of the district? How can you restore the department’s reputation?

Keywords: Irrigation department, drought-prone district, corruption, reputation, welfare, steps, restoration. Required Approach: Primarily analytical, with elements of a factual and opinion-based approach. The answer requires analyzing the problem of corruption and proposing concrete steps, drawing on factual knowledge of good governance and anti-corruption measures. Opinion-based elements will be necessary in suggesting specific strategies and policy … Read more

Suppose there is a flute and three children are claiming it:Child 1: I have worked hard to make the flute, so I should get it., Child 2: I can play flute very well, so I should get it. Only I can make complete use of it., Child 3: Both the children are rich and I am poor, so I should get the flute. Other two have other means of enjoying life. Who according to you should get the flute? What are the ethical issues in this matter? What role does justice play in this situation?

Points to Remember: Ownership: Determining rightful ownership of the flute. Merit: Assessing the claims based on merit (effort, skill, need). Justice: Applying principles of justice to allocate the flute fairly. Ethical Considerations: Identifying ethical dilemmas and principles involved. Introduction: This scenario presents a classic ethical dilemma concerning the allocation of a scarce resource – a … Read more

Distinguish between ‘code of ethics’ and ‘code of conduct’ with suitable examples.

Points to Remember: A code of ethics outlines principles and values guiding an organization or profession. A code of conduct details specific rules and expected behaviors. Both aim to promote ethical behavior but differ in scope and enforceability. Introduction: Ethical conduct is crucial for maintaining trust and integrity within any organization or profession. While often … Read more

How can an impartial and non-partisan public service help in the proper administration of a democratic government? Give your own reasons to substantiate your answer.

Points to Remember: Impartiality and non-partisanship in public service are crucial for democratic governance. An impartial civil service ensures equitable policy implementation. Non-partisanship prevents political bias in service delivery. Public trust and accountability are enhanced by an independent civil service. Continuous reforms are needed to maintain impartiality and non-partisanship. Introduction: A democratic government relies heavily … Read more

Differentiate between personal ethics and professional ethics. Is there a scope for conflict between them in the conduct of professional duties?

Points to Remember: Personal ethics: Individual moral principles guiding personal behavior. Professional ethics: Moral principles governing conduct within a specific profession. Potential for conflict: Discrepancies between personal values and professional obligations. Resolution strategies: Prioritization, negotiation, whistleblowing (as a last resort). Introduction: Ethics, the moral principles governing a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity, … Read more

What do you understand by the term ‘voice of conscience’? How is it different from ‘crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incidence to show ‘crisis of conscience’.

Points to Remember: Definition and understanding of “voice of conscience.” Distinction between “voice of conscience” and “crisis of conscience.” Illustrative example of a “crisis of conscience.” Introduction: The “voice of conscience” refers to an inner sense of right and wrong, a moral compass guiding individual actions and decisions. It’s a deeply personal and subjective experience, … Read more

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