QUESTION PYQ 18
GS4
10 marks
“In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” – Immanuel Kant
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
For Law vs Ethics, the core task is to discuss the exact proposition ‘“In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” – Immanuel Kant’. Organise the answer around its qualifier and evidence burden, not around a generic syllabus note.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1“In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” – Immanuel Kant≈55 words
- 2For Law vs Ethics, identify the competing values, apply them to public conduct and use a concrete illustration rather than abstract moralising≈55 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Interpret/define Law vs EthicsCore ethical principleCompeting value or limitPublic-service applicationConcrete examplePrincipled conclusion
Where marks usually go
- Turning this into a broad note on Law vs Ethics instead of answering the question’s operative wording: ‘“In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only…’
- Adding correct but adjacent facts on Law vs Ethics that do not advance the exact causal, comparative or evaluative task in this PYQ
Value addition
- Law vs Ethics: ethical balance triangle — principle → competing value → public-interest resolution
→ Draw it in the body, next to the point it supports.
Verified value additions
These are verified official-source additions selected for this exact PYQ. Use only the point that strengthens your argument.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.