General Studies IV · Topic
Ethical aptitude and case-study approach
Official syllabus
This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered:
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What this covers
Ethical aptitude links a public servant's disposition to act responsibly with the ability to reason through a concrete dilemma. A good case answer names the facts and stakeholders, checks legal constraints, compares feasible options and explains how the chosen course will be implemented and reviewed.
Key ideas
- Attitude to integrity
- Probity in public life
- Problem solving in social conflicts
- Case-study method
- Reasoned ethical judgment
Subtopics 5
- 01Attitude to integrityIntegrity is the alignment of stated principles with decisions and conduct when incentives or pressure pull the other way.
- 02Probity in public lifeProbity applies integrity to the handling of public powers, information and resources.
- 03Problem solving in social conflictsA social conflict may combine scarce resources, identity, trust and unequal power.
- 04Case-study methodA case study tests judgment under limited information.
- 05Reasoned ethical judgmentReasoned ethical judgment explains why a choice respects duties and affected people, not merely why it feels attractive.