ETHICS
Daily Practice Paper
(DPP)
[ Assignment No. 4 ]
The assignment includes Guidelines to attempt the questions
(1) 2 Subjective Type Questions (For Answer The subjective questions can be solved with the
Writing Practice) help of the topics covered in the class, class notes,
(2) Model Answers of subjective questions given standard books and other sources like newspapers,
in previous assignment. government websites etc.
It is expected from the aspirants to attempt all the
questions.
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The copies will be evaluated within 72 hours.
Date of submission : ………………………………...... You are directed to use 2 page for 150 word limit
answer and 3 pages for 250 word limit answer.
Course Name/Batch : ……………………………….... Submit the answer sheet before entering the
classroom.
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Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions
Daily Answer Writing Practice Ques
Q1. Write an account on the various dimensions of ethics. (10 Marks, 150 words)
Q2. What do you understand by meta-ethics? Discuss the types of meta-ethics.
(10 Marks, 150 words)
Model Answers : Assignment 3
Q1. What are the prime determinants of ethics in Human Action? (10 Marks, 150 words)
Model Answer
Ethics in human action is a multifaceted domain, encompassing principles that guide individuals in
discerning right from wrong. The determinants of ethical behaviour are pivotal in shaping moral decisions
and actions, contributing to personal integrity and societal harmony.
Cultural Values and Social Norms
z Cultural values and social norms play a significant role in determining ethical behaviour. These values are
deeply embedded in societal traditions, customs, and religious beliefs.
z For instance, in many cultures, honesty and respect for elders are highly valued, influencing individuals
to act accordingly.
z Social norms also dictate acceptable behaviour, such as the expectation to help those in need, which can
drive altruistic actions.
Personal Moral Philosophy
z An individual’s personal moral philosophy, shaped by their upbringing, education, and experiences,
greatly influences their ethical decisions.
z Philosophical frameworks like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics provide different lenses
through which ethical actions are evaluated.
z For example, a utilitarian might make decisions based on the greatest good for the greatest number,
while a deontologist would adhere to rules and duties regardless of the outcome.
Legal and Institutional Frameworks
z Legal and institutional frameworks establish a formal set of guidelines and regulations that dictate
acceptable behaviour.
z Laws reflect societal values and provide a baseline for ethical conduct, deterring actions that are harmful
to individuals and society.
z For instance, anti-corruption laws in business are designed to promote transparency and fairness,
encouraging ethical practices among professionals.
Psychological Factors
z Psychological factors, including cognitive biases, emotions, and personality traits, influence ethical
behaviour.
z Empathy, for example, can drive compassionate actions, while cognitive dissonance might lead individuals
to rationalize unethical behaviour to align with their self-image.
Situational Context
z The situational context, including environmental and social conditions, affects ethical behaviour.
Pressure from authority figures, peer influence, and the presence of ethical role models can significantly
impact decisions.
z For instance, in a corporate setting, a culture that emphasizes ethical behaviour can encourage employees
to act with integrity, whereas a competitive environment might lead to unethical shortcuts.
Moral Courage and Integrity
z Moral courage and integrity are crucial personal attributes that enable individuals to uphold ethical
principles even in the face of adversity.
z Moral courage involves the willingness to stand up for what is right, while integrity is the consistency of
actions with ethical principles.
z Historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela exemplify moral courage and integrity,
inspiring ethical behaviour in others.
By understanding these determinants, individuals can navigate ethical challenges more effectively, making
choices that uphold integrity and contribute positively to society.
Q2. Discuss the Doctrine of Double Effect and highlight how it helps in resolving ethical dilemmas.
(10 Marks, 150 words)
Model Answer
In ethical reasoning, the Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE) serves as a moral principle to assess actions
that may have both intended good consequences and unintended harmful consequences. This doctrine
is particularly useful in navigating complex ethical dilemmas where choices involve unavoidable harm
alongside potential benefits.
Principles of the Doctrine of Double Effect
The Doctrine of Double Effect distinguishes between intended and merely foreseen
consequences of an action. It posits four key conditions for an action to be ethically
permissible:
z The action itself must be morally good or neutral.
z The agent must intend only the good effect, not the harmful one.
z The harmful effect must not be a means to the good effect.
z The good effect must outweigh the harmful effect.
Application in Ethical Dilemmas
z Medical Ethics: In palliative care, healthcare professionals may face ethical decisions regarding pain
management for terminally ill patients. Administering potent pain medication, which may unintentionally
hasten a patient’s death, can be justified under the DDE if the primary intention is to alleviate suffering
rather than to cause harm.
z Military Ethics: In wartime scenarios, soldiers often encounter situations where any action they take will
result in casualties. The DDE allows military personnel to evaluate options based on minimizing overall
harm.
{ For instance, choosing to target military assets in a populated area to prevent future attacks, even
though civilian casualties are foreseen, can be justified under this principle if the action aims to save
more lives than it sacrifices.
z Law Enforcement: Law enforcement officials may use force, such as deploying flashbang grenades, in
hostage situations to neutralize threats and protect innocent lives. While the use of such tactics may
foresee unintended harm, such as hearing damage to bystanders, the DDE can justify these actions if
they are proportionate to the threat posed and aim to prevent greater harm, such as loss of life.
z Resolution of Ethical Dilemmas: DDE aids in resolving ethical dilemmas by providing a structured
approach to evaluate actions with potential ethical conflicts. It encourages thoughtful consideration
of intentions and consequences, promoting decisions that maximize good outcomes while minimizing
unavoidable harm.
Ethical Critiques and Limitations
z Critics argue that distinguishing between intended and foreseen consequences can be philosophically
challenging and may lead to subjective interpretations.
z Moreover, the doctrine’s application may vary based on cultural and ethical perspectives, influencing
judgments on what constitutes permissible actions.
z Another challenge lies in objectively assessing the proportionality of intended benefits versus
unintended harms. In situations where the good and bad effects are closely balanced, the DDE does not
provide clear guidance on how to resolve ethical dilemmas
z Moreover, the DDE does not address scenarios where the good and bad effects are equally significant
or where there is uncertainty about the outcomes. Ethical decisions in such cases may require broader
ethical considerations beyond the framework provided by the DDE, such as principles of justice or human
rights.
Ethical decision-makers must therefore critically evaluate each situation, considering broader ethical
principles alongside the guidelines offered by the DDE to ensure responsible and morally sound actions.
