GS4 Ethics: The Structure Is the Score

Why Most GS4 Answers Score Poorly

Ethics Paper (GS4) has a common failure mode: aspirants write long, sincere paragraphs about values without structure. The examiner is reading 400+ papers. A structured answer with clear definitions, relevant philosophical grounding, and concrete examples scores far higher than a well-intentioned essay.

The paper has two parts:

• Section A: Theoretical ethics (aptitude, foundational values, emotional intelligence, attitude, moral thinkers)
• Section B: Case studies (you are given a scenario and must analyse the ethical dilemmas, stakeholders, and course of action)

The Core Thinkers You Must Know Correctly

Immanuel Kant (Deontology): Right action is determined by duty, not consequences. The Categorical Imperative: "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." Application: A civil servant should not take a bribe even if it produces good outcomes - the act itself is wrong regardless of consequence.

John Stuart Mill (Utilitarianism): Right action maximises total happiness ("greatest good for the greatest number"). Application: A policy that harms a few but benefits millions may be ethically justified - used to argue for large infrastructure...