← All questionsGS4 · 2015 · Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude ·Ethics Theory
QUESTION 2(b)
GS4
10 marks

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. Discuss the ethical meaning of this statement.

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7 min
150 words
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What the examiner wants

Discuss the exact proposition in the PYQ — “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. Discuss the ethical meaning of this statement.” — using concept/chronology or mechanism, evidence on both sides where relevant, and a conclusion that answers the directive rather than merely describing Ethics Theory.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1For the prompt cue ‘We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. Discuss the’, directly answer: We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark≈35 words
  2. 2For the prompt cue ‘We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. Discuss the’, directly answer: the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light≈35 words
  3. 3For the prompt cue ‘We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. Discuss the’, directly answer: Discuss the ethical meaning of this statement≈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 ‘We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. D’, avoid a generic note on Ethics Theory; answer the actual wording/directive and the Ethics Theory proposition
  • For the prompt cue ‘We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. D’, do not add examples around Ethics Theory unless they prove, qualify or rebut the proposition asked

Value addition

  • 3-box flow: concept/context → core argument/evidence → implication/way forward
    → 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.