FYUG Odd Semester Exam, 2023 (Held in 2024)
PHILOSOPHY: PHIIDC-101T
Applied Ethics

Subject: Philosophy (Applied Ethics) | Paper Code: PHIIDC-101T
Full Marks: 70 | Pass Marks: 28 | Time: 3 Hours

SECTION-A: Very Short Answer Questions

Answer twenty questions, selecting any four from each Unit. (20 x 1 = 20 Marks)

UNIT-I

1 Mark

1. Is bio-ethics a branch of applied ethics?

Yes, bio-ethics is a major branch of applied ethics.

1 Mark

2. Which branch of applied ethics focuses on the ethical issues related to medical practices?

Medical Ethics focuses on issues related to medical practices.

1 Mark

3. What is the primary concern of animal ethics?

The primary concern is the moral status of non-human animals and their treatment by humans.

1 Mark

4. Give an example of an ethical dilemma addressed by environmental ethics.

An example is the conflict between industrial development and the preservation of natural ecosystems.

1 Mark

5. Why is business ethics considered a sub-set of applied ethics?

Because it applies general ethical principles to the specific context of commercial activity and corporate behavior.

1 Mark

6. What is abortion?

Abortion is the deliberate termination of a human pregnancy.

UNIT-II

1 Mark

8. What is voluntary euthanasia?

Voluntary euthanasia is the practice of ending a patient's life at their own explicit request to relieve suffering.

1 Mark

9. Which type of euthanasia is legal in India?

Passive euthanasia is legal in India.

1 Mark

10. What is meant by the expression 'sanctity of life'?

It refers to the principle that human life is inherently sacred and possesses an intrinsic value that must be protected.

UNIT-III

1 Mark

11. When was the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted?

It was adopted by the United Nations on December 10, 1948.

1 Mark

14. Which theory of punishment advocates the principle of 'an eye for an eye'?

The Retributive theory of punishment advocates this principle.

UNIT-IV

1 Mark

16. What is professional ethics?

It refers to the standards of behavior and moral principles that govern members of a particular profession.

1 Mark

17. What is Hippocratic Oath?

It is an ethical code traditionally taken by physicians to uphold specific professional standards and patient care.

1 Mark

20. Is media the fourth pillar of democracy?

Yes, media is widely considered the fourth pillar of democracy.

UNIT-V

1 Mark

21. Is corporate ethics a branch of applied ethics?

Yes, corporate ethics (business ethics) is a branch of applied ethics.

1 Mark

24. What is whistle-blowing?

Whistle-blowing is the act of an employee reporting illegal or unethical practices within their organization to outsiders or authorities.

SECTION-B: Short Descriptive Questions

Answer five questions, selecting one from each Unit. (5 x 2 = 10 Marks)

2 Marks

26. What is applied ethics?

Applied ethics is the practical application of moral considerations. It is the branch of ethics that uses philosophical methods to identify the morally correct course of action in various fields of everyday life, such as medicine, business, and environment.

2 Marks

29. Distinguish between active and passive euthanasia.

Active euthanasia involves a deliberate act to end a patient's life, such as administering a lethal injection. Passive euthanasia involves withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment, allowing the patient to die from their underlying condition.

SECTION-C: Long Answer Questions

Answer five questions, selecting one from each Unit. (5 x 8 = 40 Marks)

UNIT-I

8 Marks

37. Discuss the scope of applied ethics by highlighting upon its different branches.

Applied ethics has a vast scope, encompassing several specialized branches that address specific sectors of human activity:

    [span_20](start_span)
  • Bio-ethics: Examines ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine, including stem cell research and cloning[span_20](end_span).
    • [span_22](start_span)
  • Medical Ethics: Focuses specifically on the clinical relationship between healthcare providers and patients, addressing autonomy and consent[span_22](end_span).
    • [span_24](start_span)
  • Environmental Ethics: Studies the moral relationship between humans and the environment, advocating for sustainability and the rights of future generations[span_24](end_span).
    • [span_26](start_span)
  • Business Ethics: Analyzes corporate behavior, fair trade, and the responsibilities of corporations toward society[span_26](end_span).
    • [span_28](start_span)
  • Media Ethics: Deals with the principles of journalism, including truthfulness, objectivity, and privacy[span_28](end_span).

UNIT-II

4+4=8 Marks

39. Give four arguments each in favour and against of euthanasia.

[span_31](start_span)
Arguments In Favor Arguments Against
Relief from Pain: It ends unbearable physical and psychological suffering. Sanctity of Life: All life is sacred; taking it is inherently wrong[span_31](end_span).
Autonomy: Individuals should have the right to choose the timing and manner of their death. Slippery Slope: It might lead to non-voluntary euthanasia or the devaluing of the disabled.
Dignity: It allows a patient to die with dignity rather than in a vegetative state. Medical Ethics: It contradicts the doctor's duty to heal and preserve life.
Resource Allocation: It frees up medical resources for patients with a chance of recovery. Potential for Cure: There is always a possibility of a medical breakthrough or misdiagnosis.

UNIT-III

5+3=8 Marks

41. Discuss the retributive theory of punishment. Is it the most satisfactory theory of punishment? Justify your answer.

The Retributive theory is based on the principle of Lex Talionis, or "an eye for an eye." [span_39](start_span)It holds that punishment is a matter of justice and that the offender deserves to suffer in proportion to the crime committed[span_39](end_span).

Is it satisfactory? While it provides a sense of moral balance, it is often criticized for being based on "legalized revenge" and failing to address the causes of crime or provide any path for offender rehabilitation. Most modern legal systems favor a combination of theories (Reformative and Deterrent) rather than pure retribution.

UNIT-IV

2+6=8 Marks

42. What is meant by 'doctor-patient confidentiality'? Discuss the basic principles of medical ethics.

Confidentiality: It is the duty of the physician to keep a patient's personal and medical information private unless explicit consent is given or there is a compelling public safety reason.

[span_44](start_span)

Principles of Medical Ethics[span_44](end_span):

  1. Autonomy: Respecting the patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions.
  2. Beneficence: Acting in the best interest of the patient.
  3. Non-Maleficence: "Do no harm"—avoiding the infliction of unnecessary pain or injury.
  4. Justice: Fair distribution of medical resources and treating patients equally.

UNIT-V

8 Marks

45. Discuss the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an ethical toolkit for inculcating corporate conscience.

CSR is the idea that a company should be accountable to its stakeholders and the public. [span_48](start_span)It transforms a business from a mere profit-seeking entity into a socially conscious actor[span_48](end_span).

  • Inculcating Conscience: CSR encourages companies to look beyond the bottom line and consider their environmental impact and community welfare.
    • [span_51](start_span)
  • Sustainability: By adopting ethical labor practices and green initiatives, companies build long-term trust and brand value[span_51](end_span).
  • Consumer Welfare: Ethical businesses prioritize the safety and quality of products as a moral obligation.

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Answer Presentation Strategy

Use clear headings and bullet points. In "Applied Ethics," grounding your answer in contemporary examples (like climate change for environmental ethics) shows a deeper understanding of the subject's practical nature.