General Studies IV · Topic
Moral thinkers and philosophers
Official syllabus
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
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What this covers
Moral thinkers offer different tests for action: character and practical judgment, duties and respect, consequences, care or justice. Study an argument in its own terms before applying it to a public dilemma; avoid attaching an unverified maxim to a named thinker.
Key ideas
- Indian moral thinkers
- World moral thinkers
- Core arguments and concepts
- Application to public and private dilemmas
Subtopics 4
- 01Indian moral thinkersIndian moral thought spans different traditions and historical contexts.
- 02World moral thinkersWorld moral thinkers disagree on the basis of right action.
- 03Core arguments and conceptsAn ethical framework is an argument about what gives a decision moral force.
- 04Application to public and private dilemmasA private promise and a public duty can point in different directions.