Published on 30 Oct 2025
Ethical dilemmas: Ethically right persons often face complex situations where two or more ethical principles come into conflict. Due to this, decision-making can be challenging.
Example: Right to livelihood of the employees in a firecracker unit v/s protection of the environment from pollution.
Social pressure and alienation: Ethically right persons may feel alienated if their beliefs are not aligned with prevailing norms, or if they challenge unjust practices.
Example: Cyber-bullying faced by feminists when they talk about rights of women.
Personal sacrifice: Ethically right persons may need to make choices that prioritize the greater good of others over their own self-interest, which can be emotionally and mentally demanding.
Example: An employee of a company sacrificing his/her job security by whistleblowing to expose the unethical practices of the company that could potentially harm the public.
Risk of exploitation: Ethically right persons may be vulnerable to exploitation or manipulation by others who prioritize their own interests over ethical considerations.
Example: A compassionate person being manipulated into believing that his/her friend needs financial help.
Perceived idealism: Some individuals may view ethically right persons as idealistic or impractical, especially when there is a perception that ethics can hinder progress.
Example: Officers who accept bribes often believe that it is impossible to sustain a satisfactory standard of living solely on their income.
Despite these drawbacks and challenges, there are long-term benefits of ethics that contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Drawbacks of having ethics
Challenges of having ethics
ethics
ethical person
Ethical dilemma
Ethical dilemmas
ethical principles
Social pressure and alienation
Personal sacrifice
Perceived idealism
General Studies Paper 4
Ethics and Integrity