GE3791 Human Values and Ethics Previous Year Question Papers - Anna University

UNIT I: Democratic Values

Part A (2 Marks)

• Define democratic values and list their key aspects (e.g., equality, liberty, fraternity).
• What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic human values?.
• State the importance of the separation of powers in a democracy.
• Define "tolerance" and its role in a democratic society.

Part B (13/16 Marks)

• Core Principles: Discuss the principles of democracy, including equality, justice, and citizen participation.
• Historical Movements: Analyze how the French Revolution, American Independence, and the Indian Freedom Movement shaped modern democratic values.
• Liberty: Provide a detailed explanation of John Stuart Mill's concepts presented in On Liberty.

UNIT II: Secular Values

Part A (2 Marks)

• Define secular values and explain "religious neutrality".
• What is the principle of Sarva Dharma Sambhava?.
• List the benefits of the disassociation of state from religion.

Part B (13/16 Marks)

• Indian Secularism: Discuss the interpretation, features, and status of secularism in the Indian context vs. Western models.
• Non-Discriminatory Practices: Explain the importance and ways to encourage non-discriminatory behaviors in society.
• Challenges: Analyze the contemporary threats and challenges to secular values in India.

UNIT III: Scientific Values

Part A (2 Marks)

• Define scientific thinking and the term "scientific temper".
• Distinguish between inductive and deductive reasoning.
• What are the benefits of skepticism and empiricism in research?.

Part B (13/16 Marks)

• Scientific Method: Detail the steps involved in proposing and testing a hypothesis.
• Rationalism: Explain the role of rationalism and evidence-based validation in advancing scientific knowledge.

UNIT IV: Social Issues and Ethics

Part A (2 Marks)

• Define gender bias and gender-based violence.
• What is "intersectionality" in the context of social discrimination?.
• Name key constitutional protections for human rights in India.

Part B (13/16 Marks)

• Gender Equality: Discuss the causes, impacts, and ethical considerations for reducing gender bias in society.
• Social Well-being: Analyze how ethics and inclusive practices contribute to collective human well-being.

UNIT V: Professional and Research Ethics

Part A (2 Marks)

• Define transparency and accountability in scientific research.
• Why is informed consent critical in research involving human subjects?.
• What does avoiding plagiarism ensure in professional ethics?.

Part B (13/16 Marks)

• Research Integrity: Discuss the importance of fairness, objectivity, and addressing conflicts of interest in research.
• Social Responsibility: Explain the ethical responsibility of scientists and professionals toward society.

Most Repeated / High-Weight Questions

Democratic principles and historical movements, Indian secularism and religious neutrality, scientific temper and evidence-based reasoning, gender equality and social discrimination, research ethics and professional responsibility.