← All questionsGS4 · 2014 · Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude ·Ethics Theory
QUESTION 3(b)
GS4
10 marks

Human beings should always be treated as 'ends' in themselves and never as merely 'means'. Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in the modern techno-economic society.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Explain the exact proposition in the PYQ — “Human beings should always be treated as 'ends' in themselves and never as merely 'means'. Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in the modern techno-economic society.” — using concept/chronology or mechanism, evidence on both sides where relevant, and a conclusion that answers the directive rather than merely describing Ethics Theory.

ExplainMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1For the prompt cue ‘Human beings should always be treated as 'ends' in themselves and never as merely 'means'. Explain the meaning and significance of’, directly answer: Human beings should always be treated as 'ends' in themselves and never as merely 'means'≈35 words
  2. 2For the prompt cue ‘Human beings should always be treated as 'ends' in themselves and never as merely 'means'. Explain the meaning and significance of’, directly answer: Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in the modern techno-economic society≈35 words
  3. 3For the prompt cue ‘Human beings should always be treated as 'ends' in themselves and never as merely 'means'. Explain the meaning’, add one verified official-source anchor and a limitation/counterpoint specific to Ethics Theory≈35 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Answer plan

Define/contextualise Ethics TheoryExplain mechanism/chronologyQuestion-specific evidence/examplesImplicationsConcise conclusion

Where marks usually go

  • For the prompt cue ‘Human beings should always be treated as 'ends' in themselves and never as merely 'means'. Explain the meaning and signi’, avoid a generic note on Ethics Theory; answer the actual wording/directive and the Ethics Theory proposition
  • For the prompt cue ‘Human beings should always be treated as 'ends' in themselves and never as merely 'means'. Explain the meaning and signi’, do not add examples around Ethics Theory unless they prove, qualify or rebut the proposition asked

Value addition

  • Mechanism flowchart: policy/input → transmission channel → outcome → risk
    → Draw it in the body, next to the point it supports.

Official source anchors

These are authoritative sources selected for this exact PYQ. Where a card is an official-domain anchor rather than a fact-level citation, verify the precise provision, definition or data point on the linked source before using it.