GS Paper 4 (Ethics)Ethics in governanceUPSC CSE Mains 2021
Besides domain knowledge, a public official needs innovativeness and creativity of a high order as well, while resolving ethical dilemmas. Discuss with suitable examples. (10 marks, 150 words)
Based on 36 evaluated answers to this question on CollectorBabu: here is what aspirants most often missed, the mistakes that cost marks, and a model answer.
What most aspirants missed
- A crisp definition of an ethical dilemma, with the reason why domain knowledge alone fails
- Showing how creativity resolves the dilemma, not just that it is needed
- Naming one ethical framework, such as utilitarianism or deontology, to ground the answer
- A counter-example where creativity failed because domain knowledge was weak, or the reverse
- Ethical risks of innovation, such as bypassing procedures without transparency
- Concrete examples that show a conflict of values being resolved, not just an administrative problem
Common mistakes
- Listing innovations and examples without explaining the ethical conflict each one resolves
- Treating domain knowledge and creativity as separate parallel points rather than showing how they interact
- Using vague claims such as promotes transparency without showing the trade-off or resolution
- Exceeding the 150-word limit with an overlong introduction and conclusion
What the better answers did
- Defining the ethical dilemma crisply at the start and tying it to the question
- Using a few well-known, specific cases such as Surat plague or Dharani, with the conflict clearly stated
- Showing the knowledge-creativity interplay: knowledge identifies rules, creativity finds a route within them
- Closing with ethical leadership as the bridge between domain knowledge and creative action
Introduction
Open by defining an ethical dilemma as a clash of legitimate values and state in one line why rules alone cannot resolve it.
Conclusion
End by stating that domain knowledge plus creativity, guided by ethical leadership, produces balanced decisions rather than mere problem-solving.
Model answer
An ethical dilemma arises when two legitimate duties or values conflict, such as rule-following against compassion. Domain knowledge tells an official what the rules are. Creativity finds a workable route that stays within those rules while serving the public good.
Where knowledge alone fails
- Rigid adherence to tender and procurement rules has delayed disaster relief.
- Creativity without knowledge leads to illegal shortcuts, while knowledge without creativity leads to paralysis.
How creativity resolves the dilemma
- Surat plague (1994): S.R. Rao balanced quarantine against citizens' rights through community engagement and open communication, which reduced panic and resistance.
- Telangana's Dharani portal balanced transparency against the risks of traditional land records, using technology to secure titles while keeping the process verifiable.
- Aadhaar-linked DBT balances welfare delivery against privacy, but only when consent and data safeguards are built in.
Ethical guardrails
- Utilitarian calculus guides allocation, while deontological duties such as honesty limit it.
- Innovation must stay within constitutional limits and be transparent.
Domain knowledge and creativity together turn dilemmas into balanced decisions. Ethical leadership bridges the two, so that innovation serves the public without compromising integrity.
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