QUESTION 3(c)
GS4
10 marks
Shakespeare in Henry IV says, “The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just”. What ethical implications does this have in governance?
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Interrogate whether good intentions can legitimize coercive means in governance.
Answer each partThere is no single directive word, so answer every part the question asks, in order.
Demand-wise check
- 1Why legitimate purpose matters in use of state power≈30 words
- 2Why intention alone is insufficient: means must be lawful, proportionate and rights-respecting≈30 words
- 3Apply to policing, emergencies, welfare enforcement, anti-corruption or security≈30 words
- 4Accountability is necessary because officials can rationalize abuse through claimed good intent≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
IntentLimits of intentEthical tests for meansGovernance applicationPrinciple
Where marks usually go
- Equating benevolent motive with ethical conduct
- Ignoring foreseeable consequences and procedural justice
Value addition
- Means–ends–consequences triangle
→ 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.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.