Ethics and Human Interface – UPSC GS-4 Lecture (Class 1)

A set of 80 question-and-answer flashcards covering definitions, theories, determinants, comparisons, examples, and applications of ethics as discussed in Mudit Jain’s GS-4 lecture.

1. What is the basic definition of ethics?

The study of human action in terms of rightness or wrongness that prescribes what humans ought to do.

2. From which Greek word is “ethics” derived and what does it mean?

From the word “ethos,” meaning character, habit, or custom.

3. According to Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, what is the purpose of ethics?

To determine moral principles that guide humans toward a virtuous and happy life.

4. What does Potter Stewart’s quote about ethics highlight?

Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is the right thing to do.

5. State the reciprocity maxim common to Christianity and the Mahabharata.

“Do not do unto others as you would not be done by” / “Atmani pratikulani paresam na samacharet.”

6. Which sportsman refused a cola advertisement after winning the All-England Championship to uphold ethics?

Pullela Gopichand.

7. How did the Supreme Court illustrate ethics vs rights in a recent free-speech observation?

It upheld freedom of speech but stressed the need for self-restraint, distinguishing one’s rights from the right thing to do.

8. What moral question is raised by the Trolley Problem?

Whether it is right to sacrifice one life to save five others.

9. Summarise the ethical dilemma in the Heinz case.

Whether Heinz should steal an overpriced drug to save his wife’s life or obey the law and respect property rights.

10. Which IAS officer exposed illegal land deals despite repeated transfers, showing integrity?

Ashok Khemka.

11. Which 2024 Mumbai incident illustrated lack of business ethics in advertising?

Collapse of an unlicensed hoarding that killed 16 people.

12. How does ethics differ from personal feelings?

Feelings are subjective emotions; ethics relies on moral reasoning beyond what one simply ‘feels’ is right or wrong.

13. Why is ethics not the same as religion?

Because ethical dialogue remains open to reasoning and evidence, whereas religious dictates may be absolute.

14. Give a historical example where an act was ethical but illegal.

Gandhi’s Civil Disobedience Movement broke colonial laws yet pursued ethical justice.

15. Provide a modern example of an act that is legal but unethical in politics.

Politicians out on bail legally campaigning during elections despite ethical concerns.

16. What is Moral Intuitionism?

The idea that fundamental moral truths are self-evident and naturally known to every human being.

17. Define absolute ethics.

A belief in universal, unchanging moral rules that apply to everyone at all times.

18. Define relative ethics.

A belief that moral rules vary with context, culture, or situation.

19. Name one advantage of absolute ethics.

Provides a fixed standard, e.g., the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

20. State one drawback of ethical relativism.

It can excuse harmful cultural practices by claiming all moral codes are equally valid.

21. How is the Hiroshima bombing often used in debates on absolute ethics?

Absolutists label it 100 % wrong, ignoring contextual arguments about war-time casualties.

22. What does Moral Conventionalism assert?

The validity of moral standards depends on their acceptance within a cultural group.

23. What is Moral Subjectivism?

Moral rightness depends on an individual’s personal choice or commitment.

24. What is Ethical Skepticism?

The stance that it is impossible to know what is morally right or wrong.

25. How does the fertilizer-subsidy case show absolute vs relative ethics?

Absolute view denies subsidy without papers; relative view grants it, valuing empathy over rigid rules.

26. How do ethics and law differ in the standards they set?

Law sets minimum acceptable behaviour; ethics aspires to the maximum ideal behaviour.

27. Quote Plato on law and good people.

“Good people do not need laws, while bad people will always find ways around them.”

28. Summarise Swami Vivekananda’s idea on strong laws and character.

A society is strong not merely through laws but through citizens of good character.

29. Give one example of an illegal yet ethical act today.

A peaceful protester blocking a road to demand climate action.

30. How did the Sotheby’s Buddhist relic auction illustrate a law-versus-ethics clash?

Though an auction house could legally sell, India argued it was unethical given cultural and religious sentiments.

31. Name two similarities between ethics and law.

Both guide behaviour and aim to improve societal well-being.

32. Differentiate morals and ethics in terms of origin.

Morals arise from personal, cultural, or religious beliefs; ethics stem from shared codes within a context or profession.

33. How can personal morality clash with company ethics?

A marketer opposed to pollution may be required by corporate code to promote an environmentally harmful product.

34. List three individual determinants of ethics.

Knowledge, values, attitude/intention (conscience and intuition).

35. How did IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal act on conscience?

She took firm action against politically backed sand mafia despite personal risk.

36. Give a situational example where theft may be viewed as ethical.

A starving parent steals bread to feed their children.

37. How do opportunity and rewards influence ethical decisions?

Greater opportunity or tempting rewards can increase likelihood of unethical behaviour, while strict penalties can deter it.

38. Cite an unethical practice by some coaching institutes.

Copy-pasting others’ content and selling study material at high prices.

39. Name three cultural or social determinants of ethics.

Cultural norms, religious beliefs, and professional codes of conduct.

40. How did changing laws on LGBTQ+ rights show time-period influence on ethics?

Acts once criminalised (e.g., same-sex relations) were later pardoned under the 2017 UK Alan Turing law.

41. What is Divine Command Theory (DCT)?

The view that actions are morally right because God commands them.

42. State the ‘problem of arbitrariness’ in DCT.

If God’s will alone defines good, decisions appear without any rational standard.

43. What is meant by the ‘essence of ethics’?

The core principles and paradigms that define what it means to act morally.

44. How does ethics satisfy basic human needs?

It fulfils our intrinsic desire for fairness, honesty and dignity.

45. Give a corporate example showing ethics builds credibility.

The Tata Group is widely trusted for good governance and CSR initiatives.

46. How do ethical values unite people within an organisation?

Shared values create common purpose and harmony between employees and leaders.

47. Why do ethical firms gain long-term profits?

Stakeholder trust and sustainable practices eventually translate into financial success, as seen with Tata in the 1990s.

48. Why can ethics protect society faster than law in technology?

Tech evolves quicker than legislation; ethical self-restraint can address risks before laws are enacted.

49. What is self-realisation in ethical terms?

Critical self-evaluation that helps a person understand true values and best life choices.

50. Name one negative social consequence of loss of ethics.

Increase in corruption and widespread inequality.

51. Identify the four dimensions of ethics discussed.

Personal, organisational, societal and sustainability (future-oriented) ethics.

52. What does the sustainability principle demand from the present generation?

Responsible use of resources to safeguard interests of future generations.

53. According to biblical ethics, how are individuals and societies judged?

By how they treat the poor and vulnerable.

54. State two of the Ten Commandments relevant to modern ethics.

‘Do not steal’ and ‘Do not bear false witness’.

55. What is stewardship of creation in biblical tradition?

Human responsibility to care for Earth and use its resources wisely.

56. What central idea does Roman Catholic Social Thought place above economic decisions?

Protection of the dignity of the human person.

57. Define ‘solidarity’ in Catholic teaching.

Commitment to the common good and support for the poor and vulnerable.

58. What is the principle of subsidiarity?

Issues should be handled at the most local competent level, with higher authority intervening only when necessary.

59. Summarise the Protestant work ethic.

A moral code valuing discipline, hard work and individual responsibility.

60. What is ethical dualism in Protestant belief?

A worldview of ongoing conflict between good and evil, stressing personal morality.

61. State the basic conditions of Just War Theory.

War must be for a just cause, be a last resort, and employ proportionate means.

62. What lesson does the quote “The good of an individual is contained in the good of all” convey?

Individual well-being is sustainable only within collective societal welfare.

63. How do reasonable restrictions on rights demonstrate communitarian ethics?

Limiting individual liberties (e.g., on speech) protects public order and collective good.

64. In the Sterling Electric case, which ethical principle did Subhash Verma violate?

Confidentiality and loyalty to his employer.

65. What is the most ethical action for Prabhat in that case?

Reject the offer, report the misconduct, and pursue the tender ethically.

66. Define confidentiality in professional ethics.

The duty to protect sensitive information entrusted to one’s care.

67. Why is stakeholder engagement vital in infrastructure projects?

It ensures that those affected have a voice, reducing ethical conflicts and unintended harms.

68. How can urbanisation create ethical issues for marginalised communities?

Rising rents and displacement may harm vulnerable groups despite overall development.

69. Give one unintended consequence of highway expansion on city residents.

Increased pollution leading to higher asthma rates in urban cores.

70. Mention a best practice to curb corruption in infrastructure spending.

Ensuring transparent processes and independent oversight of public funds.

71. What does the phrase “law sets minimum, ethics sets maximum” imply?

Compliance is the floor; ethical excellence aspires beyond mere legality.

72. Provide an example of an ethically right but illegal act besides civil disobedience.

Whistle-blowing classified information to expose serious wrongdoing.

73. Provide an example of a legally right but ethically questionable act.

Exploiting tax loopholes to avoid paying a fair share.

74. Why is moral reasoning necessary beyond intuition?

Because people’s instincts differ, deliberate reasoning helps reach justified ethical judgments.

75. What does ethical relativism claim regarding cultural diversity?

No single moral code is universally correct; norms depend on culture.

76. How can social pressure influence ethical behaviour?

Desire to fit in may push individuals toward unethical acts to gain acceptance.

77. What is meant by a bioethical consequence of lost ethics?

Issues like unethical cloning or irresponsible AI development.

78. Explain the idea that an ethical approach to sustainability requires restraint.

Progress is incremental; society must limit wasteful resource use for equitable development.

79. How does ethics improve personal decision-making?

It offers guiding principles to choose morally sound options and avoid harmful actions.

80. Who said, “A society cannot be made strong only by making strong laws, but when it has people with good character,” and what does it stress?

Swami Vivekananda; it stresses cultivating ethical character beyond legal enforcement.