Advanced Ethics from UPSC perspective

1. Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
Paper-4
-Ribhu Vashishtha

2. Topic 2: Various theories to apply in
case studies in Paper-4
NOTE: This is the most important
chapter for Paper-4 as this will help
in solving case studies which had
weightage of 170 marks out of 250
in Paper-4 in MAINS-2013.

3. Essence of Ethics
1. Rising above self-interest
2. Trying to apply on all equally

4. Determinants of Ethics
1. Action
2. Consequence
3. Intention
4. Circumstance
Other determinants:-
1. Customs
2. Laws
3. Society
4. Religion

5. Determinants of Ethics
Examples:-
1. When you slap someone for fun. (ACTION)
2. When you defame someone by using mass
media. (CONSEQUENCE)
3. When you shoot someone while defending your
country. (INTENTION)
4. When someone steals as he/she has no other
option. (CIRCUMSTANCE)

6. Theories
1. Divine Command Theory
2. St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
3. Double Effect Theory
4. Ethical Relativism
5. Ethical Egoism
6. Teleology/Consequentialism
7. Deontology
8. Virtue Ethics
9. Intuitionism
Normative Ethics

7. Divine Command Theory
(दिव्य आिेश सिद्धांत)
• Based on Religion.
• Preached by the Church in Europe in the pre-
renaissance period.
• What God says right, is RIGHT.
• What God says wrong, is WRONG.

8. Divine Command Theory
• Renaissance philosophers who opposed this theory gave
the argument:-
– Something is right because it is right in itself and not because
God says it is right.
– People should use their own rational judgement.
• Example:- Killing someone or stealing is wrong because it is
wrong in itself and not because God says it is wrong.
THIS THEORY HAS BECOME OBSOLETE/PROVEN TO BE
WRONG SO DON’T USE IT IN SOLVING CASE STUDIES IN THE
EXAM.

9. St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
(िेंट थॉमि एक्विनधि सिद्धांत)
• He gave the concept of Ethical Liability.
• Ethical Liability is defined as the degree of
responsibility/ownership that can be ascribed
to a person for his/her action to be called
ethical or unethical.
• Ethical Liability has 3 parameters:-
1. Knowledge
2. Volunteerism
3. Free will to choose among various options

10. St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
This theory can be used for solving case studies
in the exam.
You do not need to mention the name of the
theory you are using for solving the case studies
in the exam. Mentioning the name of
parameters/conditions for determining ethical
liability is sufficient.
Let us understand some examples to make this
theory clear.

11. St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
Example 1:- Stealing for fun.
1. Knowledge
2. Volunteerism
3. Free will
Therefore, Ethical Liability: FULL

12. St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
Example 2:- Someone steals because his mother his ill and he is
not able to find employment or borrow money.
1. Knowledge
2. Volunteerism
3. Free will
Therefore, Ethical Liability: LESS means he is not fully
responsible for his action i.e. stealing.

13. St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
Example 3:- Someone steals because his mother his ill but
he has an option to get work and his friend is willing to
lend money to him.
1. Knowledge
2. Volunteerism
3. Free will
Therefore, Ethical Liability: FULL means he is completely
responsible for his action i.e. stealing.

14. St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
Example 4:- You work at an office and a colleague
tells you a particular way to get a work done. You
don’t know that it is the wrong/unethical way.
1. Knowledge
2. Volunteerism
3. Free will
Therefore, Ethical Liability: LESS

15. St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
Example 5:- A goon asks a businessman to sign
some legal papers at gunpoint.
1. Knowledge
2. Volunteerism
3. Free will
Therefore, Ethical Liability: LESS

16. St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
Exceptions to the above theory in case of
KNOWLEDGE parameter:-
• When knowledge about an act can be attained
through EFFORT, ethical liability is FULL in that
case.
• When knowledge about an act can not be
attained even through EFFORT, ethical liability is
LESS in that case.

17. St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
Other cases in which ethical liability reduces:
1. Mental Instability
2. Sleep-walking
3. Fear
Eg: Shooting someone in self-defence or due to fear of assault, doing a
wrong act while in sleep-walking state, etc.
Cases in which ethical liability does not reduce:
1. Ignorance (Ignorance is no excuse)
2. Habit (Because habits can be changed)
Eg: A person who is smoking in public cannot claim innocence on
either ignorance of the law or saying that it is his habit and he cannot
help it. In this case his ethical liability is FULL.

18. Double Effect Theory
(िोहरध प्रभधि सिद्धांत)
An act can be determined as GOOD or BAD based
on the following conditions:-
1. Intention for a good consequence should be present
in the person’s mind.
2. Good consequence should flow from the act as an
immediate effect
Example:- A rich person donates black money to get
it converted into white.
Here, the intention is not for charity but for a selfish
interest. Hence, the act is UNETHICAL.

19. Dimensions of Ethics
Normative Non-normative
(मानक)
(Prescriptive)
(ननिेशधत्मक)
(गैर मानक)
(Descriptive)
(िर्धात्मक)
(नैतिकिा के आयाम)

20. NORMATIVE ETHICS
1. Ethical Relativism
2. Ethical Egoism
3. Teleology/Consequentialism
4. Deontology
5. Virtue Ethics
6. Intuitionism

21. Ethical Relativism
(नैनतक िधपेक्षिधि)
• Ethics varies with person, society, country, region,
time, etc.
• This theory does not give any solution to
whether anything is ethical or not.
• Example:-
1. Polygamy is condemned by Hindus but not by some
other religions.
2. Sati-pratha was accepted in the society in ancient
times but is illegal now.
3. Same-sex marriage is legal in USA but illegal in India.

22. Ethical Egoism
(नैनतक अहांिधि)
• This theory says that every person is a rational
human being and everyone sees his/her own self-
interest in everything and in every situation.
• Self-interest is the primary factor and selflessness
is secondary for everyone according to this
theory.
• Example:- Everyone makes friends for his/her
own self-interest.
• This theory should be avoided while solving case
studies in the exam.

23. Teleology
(चरमकधरर्िधि, प्रयोजनिधि, उदिेश्यिधि)
• This theory says that an act is ethical if the
end result is right, irrespective of the intention
of the person whether right or wrong.
• Example:-
– If Person A throws a stone at Person B with the
intention to hurt him, and that person ducks down
to save himself and in the process is saved from an
incoming bullet also; then according to this theory
the act done by Person A was ETHICAL as the end
was right!

24. Teleology
• Teleology contains Utilitarianism theory.
• Utilitarianism:- Maximum happiness for
maximum number of people for maximum
amount of time.
• Example:- If in a village of 100 people, 99 are
happy and 1 is miserable; then according to
utilitarianism approach the situation in the
village is RIGHT as maximum people are
happy.

25. Teleology
• Example:-
i. There are 3 patients A, B and C.
ii. A needs liver, B needs a kidney and C needs a
heart to get healthy.
iii. Utilitarianism approach says that 1 out of the 3
people should give his organs to the other 2 to
save them, himself dying in the process.
iv. The act is ETHICAL according to utilitarianism as
maximum people will be saved.

26. Teleology
• Parameters of Utilitarianism:-
1. Pleasure-minus-Pain (should be maximum)
2. Intensity of pleasure (More the intensity of
pleasure, more ethical is the act)
3. Duration of pleasure/happiness (Greater the
duration of pleasure, more ethical is the act)
4. Fruitfulness
5. Likelihood/probability of pleasure/happiness
(More the likelihood, more ethical is the act)

27. Teleology
To summarize, we can say that teleology theory is:-
1. Democratic
2. Progressive
3. Optimistic
4. Calculations for arriving are empirical. Lot of
observations have to be kept in mind while
determining whether an act is ethical or not.
This theory can be used for solving case studies in
the exam.

28. Deontology
(्माशधस्र, चररत्रशधस्र, आचरर् विदयध)
• This theory is inverse to Teleology in many
ways.
• According to this theory, intention or motive
of the act done plays the supreme role in
determining whether the act is ETHICAL or
UNETHICAL.
• This theory gives 4 parameters for
determining the ethicality of an act.

29. Deontology
1. Universal
– If you can universalize an act and still it is right, then it is
ethical.
2. Self
– Are you ready to accept the same act on yourself.
3. Means
– Any person should not be used as the means to an end.
4. Long-term societal impact
– Will the society become better in the long term if this act is
practised?

30. Deontology
• Example:-
i. There are 3 patients A, B and C.
ii. A needs liver, B needs a kidney and C needs a
heart to get healthy.
iii. Utilitarianism approach says that 1 out of the 3
people should give his organs to the other 2 to
save them, himself dying in the process.
iv. The act is ETHICAL according to utilitarianism as
maximum people will be saved.
v. This act is UNETHICAL according to deontology
because:-

31. Deontology
1. Universal
– If you can universalize an act and still it is right, then it is
ethical.
2. Self
– Are you ready to accept the same act on yourself.
3. Means
– Any person should not be used as the means to an end.
4. Long-term societal impact
– Will the society become better in the long term if this act is
practised?
All the 4 conditions of deontology are not satisfied
for this act, hence this act is UNETHICAL.

32. Deontology
• Example:- If in a village of 100 people, 99 are
happy and 1 is miserable; then according to
utilitarianism approach the situation in the village
is RIGHT as maximum people are happy.
• But according to deontology theory, the situation
is WRONG because:
1. Universal
– If you can universalize an act and still it is right, then it is ethical.
2. Self
– Are you ready to accept the same act on yourself.
3. Means
– Any person should not be used as the means to an end.
4. Long-term societal impact
– Will the society become better in the long term if this act is practised?

33. Deontology
This theory can be used for solving case studies in the exam.
You do not need to mention the name of the theory you are
using for solving the case studies in the exam. Mentioning the
name of parameters/conditions for determining whether an
act is ethical or unethical is sufficient.
Now a question arises which theory should be used for solving
case studies in the exam???
• Teleology OR Deontology OR St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
Any theory can be used provided you sufficiently justify your
stand on the basis of various parameters being satisfied in the
given case study. It is for you to decide which theory will best
reflect your stand and also justify it completely.
You can also use your own points for justifying your answer.
Solving case studies will further make it clear on how to use
these theories.

34. Virtue Ethics
(पुण्य नैनतकतध)
• This theory says that any human action which
is done under the influence of good character
will be ethical or moral.
• Example:- Sardar Bhagat Singh killed Saunders
under the influence of a noble character i.e. to
liberate the people of India from British
oppression, hence his shooting of Saunders is
ETHICAL according to this theory.

35. Virtue Ethics
Parameters/Conditions to be checked according
to this theory are:-
1. Which character has influence on the person
doing the action?
2. What is the influence of that action on
others’ character?
3. What is the influence of that action on one’s
own character?

36. Virtue Ethics
Example 1:- Hitler’s mass killing of Jews.
1. Which character has influence on the person doing the
action?
2. What is the influence of that action on others’ character?
3. What is the influence of that action on one’s own
character?
T
EVIL (oppressive evil character)
BAD (others will learn a bad character trait)
DEGRADING (it will develop into an evil habit)
Therefore, this act was: UNETHICAL

37. Virtue Ethics
Example 2:- Lying to someone.
1. Which character has influence on the person doing the
action?
2. What is the influence of that action on others’ character?
3. What is the influence of that action on one’s own
character?
BAD
BAD
BAD
Therefore, this act is: UNETHICAL

38. Virtue Ethics
Example 3:- Lying to save someone’s life.
Which character has influence on the person doing the action?
NOBLE
What is the influence of that action on others’ character?
GOOD
What is the influence of that action on one’s own character?
GOOD
Therefore, this act is: ETHICAL

39. Virtue Ethics
• The main problem with this theory is that any
person with a good character can do
something unethical due to certain
circumstances.
• This theory can be used for solving case
studies in the exam, although its scope is
somewhat limited i.e. one may not be able to
fully justify an act through this theory alone.

40. Intuitionism
(अांतर्ज्ञेयिधि)
• Intuition / अांतर्ज्ञधान:-
– Instinctive knowing (without the use of rational
processes).
– An impression that something might be the case.
• Supporters of this theory say that intuitionism is
not irrational as a decision based on intuition is
based on millions of calculations taking place in
the subconscious mind.
• This theory has a limited scope for solving case
studies in the exam and should be avoided for
justifying answers in the exam.

41. • We have seen many theories related to
determining ethicality and ethical liability in a
given situation.
• Not all theories are useful. The theories that
can help in solving case studies are:
Teleology
Deontology
St. Thomas Aquinas Theory
Double Effect Theory
Virtue Ethics
• Now let us apply our understanding of these
theories for solving case studies.

42. Case Study #1

43. Case Study #1You are working as an Executive Engineer in the construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and
are presently in-charge of the construction of a flyover. There are two Junior Engineers under you
who have the responsibility of day-to-day inspection of the site and are reporting to you, while
you are finally reporting to the Chief Engineer who heads the cell. While the construction is
heading towards completion, the Junior Engineers have been regularly reporting that all
construction is taking place as per design specifications. However, in one of your surprise
inspections, you have noticed some serious deviations and lacunae which, in your opinion, are
likely to affect the safety of the flyover. Rectification of these lacunae at this stage would require
a substantial amount of demolition and rework which will cause a tangible loss to the contractor
and will also delay completion. There is a lot of public pressure on the Corporation to get this
construction completed because of heavy traffic congestion in the area. When you brought this
matter to the notice of the Chief Engineer, he advised you that in his opinion it is not a very
serious lapse and may be ignored. He advised for further expediting the project for completion in
time. However, you are convinced that this was a serious matter which might affect public safety
and should not be left unaddressed.
What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits
and demerits of each of these options and finally suggest what course of action you would like to
take, giving reasons. (20 marks |250 words)
1. Follow the advice of the Chief Engineer and go ahead.
2. Make an exhaustive report of the situation bringing out all facts and analysis along with your own
viewpoints stated clearly and seek for written orders from the chief Engineer.
3. Call for explanation from the Junior Engineers and issue orders to the contractor for necessary correction
within targeted time.
4. Highlight the issue so that it reaches superiors above the Chief Engineer.
5. Considering the rigid attitude of the Chief Engineer, seek transfer from the project or report sick.

44. Some points for solving Case Study #1
1. Max. happiness for max. people for max. time
2. Universalize
3. Willing to apply on Self
4. Long-term societal impact: BAD
If the flyover is made right now, there can be loss of:-
1) Life
2) Property
3) Public trust
4) Money
5) Goodwill

45. Homework Case Studies

46. Case Study #2

47. Case Study #3

48. Thank You.