QUESTION 3
GS4
10 marks
Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Take a reasoned position on whether values are relative to time or universal and eternal.
Give your perception; JustifyAnswer exactly what the question asks.
Demand-wise check
- 1Relativist view: social values changed (untouchability, sati, gender roles); context shapes norms≈30 words
- 2Universalist view: core values like truth, non-harm, dignity, justice recur across cultures≈30 words
- 3Synthesis: core values stable, their expression and application change≈30 words
- 4Public service relevance: constitutional values as anchor; adapt practice≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Two views with examplesOwn positionJustificationImplication for administrators
Where marks usually go
- No clear personal position
- Examples only from one culture
Draw this
- Concentric circles: core universal values inside, changing practices outside
Value addition
- DocumentThe Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) codifies values accepted across cultures.UN, 1948
- ThinkerKant's categorical imperative argues moral laws must be universalisable.Immanuel Kant
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Vidushi Singh · AIR 13 · Page 5 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Shruti Sharma · Page 3 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Aakash Garg · AIR 5 · Page 7 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 3 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.