← All questionsGS4 · 2018 · Ethics Theory ·Utilitarianism in Policy
QUESTION 6(a)
GS4
10 marks

“The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good... our best judgment of the preponderance between them is continually demanded.” – Abraham Lincoln. What does this quotation mean to you in the present context?

WRITE IN
7 min
150 words

What the examiner wants

Explain: answer the exact PYQ as framed — ““The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good... our best judgment of the preponderance between them is continually demanded.” – Abraham Lincoln. What does this quo…” Treat each scoring limb separately instead of writing a general note on Utilitarianism in Policy.

ExplainMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1“The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, is not whether it has any evil in it≈35 words
  2. 2but whether it has more evil than good... our best judgment of the preponderance between them is continually demanded.” – Abraham Lincoln≈35 words
  3. 3What does this quotation mean to you in the present context?≈35 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Interpret the concept/quotationExplain the ethical reasoningUse contrasting examplesConnect to public-service conductBalanced conclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Writing generally about Utilitarianism in Policy without directly resolving: ““The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, is not whether it has any evil in it”
  • Under-developing the second scoring limb: “but whether it has more evil than good... our best judgment of the preponderance between them is continually demanded.” – Abraham Lincoln.”

Value addition

  • Value–stakeholder–action triangle or ethics matrix
    → Draw it in the body, next to the point it supports.

Official source anchors

These are authoritative sources selected for this exact PYQ. Where a card is an official-domain anchor rather than a fact-level citation, verify the precise provision, definition or data point on the linked source before using it.