La ex Mains Program 2019

Free Micro schedule for 107 days with 3 Questions per day@ La Excellence Bangalore

Date-13.06.2019

Day-9

Test-8

Syllabus- Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world

Questions and approach

1. “Corruption causes misuse of government treasury, Administrative inefficiency and

obstruction in the path of national Development”. Discuss Kautilya’s views. (150W|10M)
Approach:
1. Underlying Theme: The question demands discussion on corruption in the context of
Kautilya’s views. Since it is a 150 word answer, there is not much scope for additional
dimensions to be added. Stick closely to the demand of the question and address it
sharply.
2. Keywords: ‘Discuss’ as a directive demands all the facets to be presented in the answer
before going for a conclusion. Economy, efficiency and effectiveness are the three
keywords which are written in a different format in the question.
3. Introduction: Use of quotes and such for a catchy introduction especially in such topics
which look commonsensical will be appreciated. Try to define corruption in the
introduction.
4. Body: The body should consist of three parts
 How corruption causes misuse of treasury
 How corruption causes administrative inefficiency
 How it obstructs development

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Each part must mandatorily have reference to Kautilya’s ideas. For instance, Kautilya had listed
out 40 types of embezzlement, whereas even the present Prevention of corruption act lists in
its schedule only about 28, which shows his appreciation of the impact of corruption on
treasury.

Some quotes can also be used from the Arthashastra, Kautilya had said Detecting corruption on
the revenue side may be as hard as detecting fish drinking water. He compares treasury money
as honey at the tip of the tongue from the perspective of officials. Being a realist, he prescribed
severe punishments for corruption.

Recent examples can be given of various scams happening despite a plethora of bodies, laws
and rules to prevent corruption and punish the corrupt. Ex: 2G, CWG, irregularities in coal
allocation, Vyapam, etc

Conclusion: As 2nd ARC has stated, corruption = Monopoly + discretion. Attempts to reduce the
two must be made and lessons can be learnt from Nordic countries and Singapore which are
some of the least corrupt countries as per Transparency international

Dos and Don’ts

In such questions which are largely generic and do not require specific knowledge or
understanding to answer, expectation from the examiners will be high. Differentiate your
answer by ensuring you write facts, examples, give specifics, quotes etc.

 Do not spend too much time on easy questions, divide your time equally among most
questions and give less time to 2-3 questions which you feel you cannot answer satisfactorily

 Try to maintain the word limit given in the question

2. ” Character may almost be called the most effective means of persuasion.” (Aristotle)
Explain. (150 words|10M)

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Approach

1. Underlying theme: The question demands explanation of the given quote based on the
student’s understanding. It is expected that examples related to the quote are
mentioned and clearly linked from various dimensions. Also, contemporary relevance of
the quote may be brought out.
2. Keywords: Character and persuasion are keywords which the question revolves around.
Explain as a directive expects the student to elaborate the quote with adequate
evidence and logic.
3. Introduction: Character can be defined in the introduction as it is the central theme of
the question.
4. Body: The body of the answer should contain the following
 The meaning of persuasion
 Why character is most effective means of persuasion
 Instances of leading by example – Gandhi with Truth and non violence, etc
 Contemporary leaders who lead by example – Wangari mathai, IAS couple who adopted
children of soldiers killed in action, Actors turning down fairness cream ads, etc
One could also argue on the other hand, how it may not be possible for leaders who
preach one thing and practice another to gain respect of their peers.

Conclusion: Aristotelian concept of virtue being a result of repeated actions and summation of
virtues creating character can be linked to persuasion through action

Dos and Don’ts

 Don’t focus only on character or only on persuasion, this is the most common mistake.
 Link your examples clearly by explaining how they are related to the quote
 Maintain word and time limit

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 3. A) Discuss ‘Social Contract theory’ which was proposed by John Locke. (150W|10M)

Approach:

1. Underlying theme: John Locke’s ‘Social contract theory’

2. Keywords: ‘Discuss’: talk or write about a topic in detail, taking into account different
issues or ideas
3. Introduction: Give a general understanding or the crux of the theory in simple words in
your introduction. Do not be positive or negative in the introduction itself. Example:
Social contract theory states that people live together in society in accordance with an
agreement that establishes moral and political rules of behavior
4. Body:
 Since an introduction is given there is no need to talk about it again
 Elaborate more on the introduction made. Example: The theory is called as a
social contract because it involves citizens surrendering some of their personal
power and liberty. In return the state provides security and the guarantee that
civil liberty (Main goal of social contract theory) will be protected.
 Give examples to justify the statement made above: Our constitution which sets
out what a government can do or cannot do. People who choose to live in India
agree to be governed by the moral and political obligations outlined in the
Constitution’s social contract.
 Talk about positives and also negatives (or shortcomings) of the theory
 Positive such as- it strives for the fairest and most inclusive society, legitimizes
the government which is established under popular sovereignty, ensures a
common set of rules which is applicable to all in the country without any
discrimination, provide a valuable framework for harmony in society (establishes
a set of moral rules governing behavior that rational people accept, on the
condition that others accept them too)

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  Negative such as- individual citizens are forced to opt in to the social contract
instead of being given a choice (you can give the examples of minorities who did
not enjoy equal rights in America, LGBT people in India), people can get
accustomed to having their rights surrendered which results in all powerful
state, thereby weakening the balance between the state and society (Example:
Surveillance state), discontent expressed by few could be treated badly
(Example: demonizing them as urban naxal) etc
5. Conclusion: You can give a positive, negative or a balanced opinion based on the points
made in your answer

B) Analyze ‘Virtue ethics’ which was developed by Aristotle and other ancient Greeks. (150W|
10M)

Approach:

1. Underlying theme: Virtue ethics

2. Keywords: ‘Analyze’: examine methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain
and interpret it.
3. Introduction: Give a simple definition of virtue ethics. Such as-it is an approach to Ethics
that emphasizes an individual's character as the key element of ethical thinking, rather
than rules about the acts themselves (Deontology) or their consequences
(Consequentialism).
4. Body:
 In this aspect try to analyze issues such as- who decides what virtues to follow?
Are there any universal virtues? List of virtues that are accepted, positives and
negatives about the theory
 Features of virtue ethics such as-
 An action is only right if it is an action that a virtuous person would carry
out in the same circumstances

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  a virtuous person is a person who acts virtuously
 a person acts virtuously if they "possess and live the virtues"
 A virtue is a moral characteristic that a person needs to live well.
 Example of universal set of virtues. Example: Prudence; Justice; Fortitude /
Bravery and Temperance
 Positives about the theory: it gives primacy to the character of the person; it
takes the whole of a person’s life instead of any one situation to judge him;
provides general guidance on how to be a good person etc
 Negatives about the theory: different people will have different views on nature
of virtues ; does not give enough emphasis on actions, any list of virtues will be
relative to the culture in which it is being drawn up etc
5. Conclusion: You can summarize what you feel about the theory in your answer.
Example: Virtue ethics relies on building a good society which is to help its members to
be good people, rather than to use laws and punishments to prevent or deter bad
actions.

Don’t

1. Quote examples in your answer. Example: Gandhi ji who held the virtues of Truth and
non-violence in high regard etc
2. Do not go for writing details that you are not sure of in such kind of answer
3. If possible, give a contemporary understanding of present relevance of this theory.
Example: Now we base our decisions on end objective and mould our virtue to suit that
purpose rather than leading a virtuous life
4. Don’t stuff your approach with too many details about the theory without any proper
organized structure.

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