Published on 24 Nov 2025
Utilitarian Approach: It involves choosing an option which will produce the greatest benefits and least harm.
Example: Development induced displacement is justified under this approach
Common Good Approach: It involves choosing the course of action which advances the common good. This helps to decide if the action taken will be good for us and the community.
Example: Environmental protection laws are justified under this approach.
Rights Approach: The rights approach follows the belief that individuals have the ability to make their decisions freely. This approach stipulates that the best ethical action is that which protects the ethical rights of those who are affected by the action.
Example: War for peace is not justified under this approach.
Fairness/Justice Approach: This approach gives the individual the opportunity to reflect if the action is fair to the people. All equals should be treated equally.
Example: Reservation System for backward classes is justified under this approach.
Virtue Approach: It involves choosing a course of action that can help develops\ moral virtues. Some of the virtues include honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, tolerance, love, fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, prudence etc.
Example: Whistle bowing against unethical practices in organisation is justified under this approach.
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Approaches to resolve Ethical Dilemmas
Ethical Dilemma
Utilitarian Approach
Common Good Approach
Rights Approach
Justice Approach
Virtue Approach
General Studies Paper 4
Public Service Values
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