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1.The ‘Ethics of Care’ theory, as propounded by Carol Gilligan, challenges traditional moral theories by emphasizing:
- AUniversal rules applicable to all situations
- BRational autonomy over relationships
- CInterdependence and relational responsibilities
- DStrict adherence to legal statutes
Explanation
Gilligan’s ethics of care foregrounds empathy, relational interdependence, and contextual moral reasoning, contrasting with the rule‑based, individualistic focus of classic Kantian ethics.
2.In the context of 'Transparency' in public administration, the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, is primarily intended to:
- ARestrict public access to government records
- BFacilitate the disclosure of information for enhancing citizen participation
- CProvide tax benefits to public servants
- DAllow the government to hide classified data
Explanation
RTI empowers citizens to request information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability. It does not restrict access or provide tax benefits.
3.A government official must decide between two projects: Project A saves 500 lives at a cost of INR 200 crore, while Project B saves 300 lives at a cost of INR 100 crore. Using a utilitarian approach, which project should be preferred?
- AProject A, because it saves more lives irrespective of cost
- BProject B, because it is more cost‑effective per life saved
- CBoth projects are equally acceptable
- DNeither, because utilitarianism does not consider lives saved
Explanation
A strict utilitarian would choose the option that maximizes overall good—in this case, the greater number of lives saved, i.e., Project A.
4.
Based on the address at the 20th Rozgar Mela in Nagpur, which specific combination of values is identified as essential for public service, based on the enduring respect of the public and colleagues?
1.Administrative sensitivity towards the people.
2.Zero tolerance for procedural ambiguity.
3.Demonstrated capability in administrative execution.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A
1 only
- B
1 and 3 only
- C
2 and 3 only
- D
1, 2 and 3
Explanation
The address emphasizes administrative sensitivity and capability in administrative execution. Procedural ambiguity was not identified as the central ethical value in this context.
5.Which of the following statements reflects a potential conflict between empathy and the principle of impartiality?
- AAn officer feels personal sorrow for flood victims and delays relief distribution to verify facts.
- BAn officer empathises with a minority community and favours them in allocating resources, disregarding objective criteria.
- CAn officer uses empathy to listen attentively before applying standard procedures.
- DAn officer records citizen feedback empathetically while maintaining procedural fairness.
Explanation
Favoring a particular group due to personal empathy violates impartiality, which requires decisions based on objective standards, not personal sentiment.
6.Probity in public service primarily refers to:
- AAdherence to legal provisions only
- BPersonal gain through official position
- CIntegrity, honesty and upright conduct
- DEfficient execution of duties
Explanation
Probity denotes moral integrity and honesty in the performance of public duties, emphasizing upright conduct and avoidance of corruption.
7.Who developed the 'Capability Approach' that assesses wellbeing based on the real freedoms (capabilities) individuals have, rather than just resources or utilities?
- AAmartya Sen
- BMartha Nussbaum
- CJohn Rawls
- DRichard Arneson
Explanation
Amartya Sen (and later Martha Nussbaum) formulated the Capability Approach, focusing on what people are able to be and do, shifting evaluation from mere resource distribution to substantive freedoms.
8.Which principle from the 'Values and Ethics for Civil Services' explicitly emphasizes probity?
- AService before self
- BUphold the Constitution
- CIntegrity and impartiality
- DResponsiveness to citizens
Explanation
The principle of 'Integrity and impartiality' directly addresses the need for probity in public service.
9.In crisis management, the principle of 'empathetic communication' primarily aims to:
- AReduce the cost of relief operations
- BProject authority and control over the affected population
- CBuild trust by acknowledging the emotions and concerns of victims
- DAccelerate the decision‑making hierarchy
Explanation
Empathetic communication helps in gaining public trust, reduces panic, and ensures cooperation during emergencies by validating people's feelings.
10.Consider the following statements regarding the ethical concept of 'Compassion':
1. Unlike empathy, which primarily involves shared emotional experience, compassion fundamentally includes an active orientation or intent to alleviate the distress of others.
2. The Constitution of India explicitly incorporates 'compassion for living creatures' as one of the Fundamental Duties under Article 51A.
3. In Western moral philosophy, Arthur Schopenhauer identified compassion as the sole genuine basis of moral action.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Explanation
All three statements are correct:
- Statement 1 is correct: While sympathy denotes passive pity and empathy refers to vicariously feeling another person's emotional state ('feeling with'), compassion adds a cognitive and motivational drive to actively remove or mitigate the suffering ('feeling for' accompanied by action).
- Statement 2 is correct: Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution makes it a Fundamental Duty of every citizen of India 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.'
- Statement 3 is correct: In his treatise 'On the Basis of Morality' (1840), Arthur Schopenhauer argued that egoism and malice drive non-moral acts, whereas compassion (Mitleid) is the only authentic root and criterion of moral worth, as it pierces through the illusion of separateness between individuals.
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