UPSC Mains Ethics & Human Interface
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Some moral philosophers argue that spending some of your resources—without significantly affecting your financial stability—to help other people who badly suffer is our moral duty and not merely a matter of charity. Justify this claim by explaining the distinction between duty and charity.

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.

Differentiate 'moral intuition from 'moral reasoning' with suitable examples.

It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in 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?

The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss.

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 the contemporary times.

Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being.

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

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

What do you understand by 'values' and 'ethics?' In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?

Citing the serious adverse effects of long-term medication, a doctor convinces the family of a female patient for surgery. This led the patient to reluctantly consent for the surgery, though her original choice was to opt for medication. Explain the concepts of paternalism and beneficence by analysing the doctor's action.

"Ethics encompasses several key dimensions that are crucial in guiding individuals and organizations towards morally responsible behaviour." Explain the key dimensions of ethics that influence human actions. Discuss how these dimensions shape ethical decisionmaking in the professional context.

With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is 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.

Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. (a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches.

What is meant by 'environmental ethics?' Why is it important to study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of environmental ethics.

Differentiate between the following. (a) law and ethics (b) ethical management and management of ethics (c) discrimination and preferential treatment. (d) personal ethics and professional ethics.

"Human beings should always be treated as 'ends' in themselves and never as 'means.'" Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in the modern techno-economic society.

"The current internet expansion has instilled a different set of cultural values which are often in conflict with traditional values.' Discuss.

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?

"The good of an individual is contained in the good of all." What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life?

Social values are more important than economic values. Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.

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.

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.

"Education is not an injunction; it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation". Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement.