Values & Ethics — Winter 2025

What is the core difference in focus between Physical Values (e.g., health) and Sensuous Values (e.g., pleasure)?

Compare and contrast Economic Values and Social Values. Highlight a scenario where a person might prioritize one over the other.

Describe and distinguish the nature and scope of Aesthetic Values, Environmental Values, and Religious Values. Discuss how each of these three distinct value systems shapes an individual's worldview and decision-making.

State the fundamental definition of a Value and list the two major classifications based on their scope (i.e., Universal and Situational).

Explain the concept of Extrinsic Values. Provide two distinct examples of Extrinsic Values and briefly explain why they are considered a means to an end.

Discuss the dual role of Moral and Religious Values as fundamental motivators of human behaviour. How are these two types of values often related in ethical systems, and what is a key difference that sometimes leads to their separation?

Analyze the classification of values based on their purpose. Describe the characteristics of each and explain the significance of prioritizing Intrinsic values for long-term personal fulfillment, providing a comprehensive example for both.

Define the concept of Purusartha and list its four fundamental components.

State the primary difference between a Right (as a claim) and a Duty (as an obligation).

Describe the nature of Love as a value in an ethical framework, distinguishing it from a temporary emotion, and state its importance to social cohesion.

What is a Virtue? Provide one example of a personal virtue and one example of an intellectual virtue.

Differentiate between Justice and Equality in a social context. Briefly explain why they are often discussed together. Page 1 of

Analyze the interconnectedness of the four Purusarthas. Explain why Dharma (righteous conduct/duty) is considered the necessary foundation for the pursuit of the other three.

What is the core meaning of the Sanskrit phrase "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"?

Briefly describe The Ideal of Sarvodaya (Welfare of All). How does it incorporate the concepts of individual and collective well-being?

Discuss how this philosophy attempts to resolve conflicts that may arise between the principles of Egoism and pure Altruism.

State the primary difference between Altruism and Universalism regarding the beneficiaries of the ethical action.

Explain the ethical concept of Altruism. Give a brief example of an altruistic act and explain why it is classified as such.

Explain how the philosophical worldview of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" provides the ethical foundation for the practical application of "Sarvodaya."

Define the "Problem of Sustenance of value."

Explain how Political changes (e.g., shifting ideologies or global conflicts) can challenge the sustained relevance of values like justice or unity.

Analyze the "Problem of Sustenance of value" by discussing the distinct ways in which Social change and Political change pressure core human values. Provide a specific example for both forces to illustrate the challenge.

List three major societal values that are challenged by Technological changes.

State and explain two core values that form the foundation of Mahatma Gandhi's hierarchy, and mention the criterion he used to resolve conflicts between them.

Compare and contrast the approach of Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya and Mahatma Gandhi regarding the hierarchy of values. Page 2 of