UPSC Mains 2024 GS4 Q1 — AI Ethics
The application of Artificial Intelligence as a dependeble source of input for administrative rational decision-making is a debatable issue. Critically examine the statement from the ethical point of view. (Answer in 150 words)
Similar Previous Year Questions
Related Prelims MCQs
Build factual foundation — these MCQs cover facts/concepts you'll need for this Mains question.
-
CDS-I 2025 Artificial intelligence basics
Which one of the following is the characteristic of Artificial Intelligence ?
-
IAS 2020 AI applications
With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following ? 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 2. Create meaningful short stories and songs 3. Disease diagnosis 4. Text-to-Speech Conversion 5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy Select the correct answer using the code given below :
Source Map — where to read
". The local self-governance system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. [150 words] 10 • 2. Critically examine the Supreme Court's judgement on 'National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014' with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. [150 words] 10 • 3. 'Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government's accountability to the people' Discus…"
"In a democratic society disagreements about issues of distribution and justice are inevitable and even healthy because they force us to examine different points of view and rationally defend our own views. Politics is about the negotiation of such disagreements through debate. In our own country many kinds of social and economic inequalities exist and much remains to be done if they are to be reduced. Studying the different principles of justice should help us to discuss the issues involved and come to an agreement regarding the best way of pursuing justice. Justice implies something which it …"
"• Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below. • (i) Which one of the following statements does not describe geography? • (a) an integrative discipline• (b) study of the inter-relationship between humans and environment• (c) subjected to dualism• (d) not relevant in the present time due to the development of technology.• (ii) Which one of the following is not a source of geographical information? • (a) traveller's accounts• (b) old maps• (c) samples of rock materials from the moon• (d) ancient epics• (iii) Which one of the following is the most important factor in the intera…"
"• 1. In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? 150 words • 2. Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in religious minority institutions? Examine. [150 words] elected government of Delhi? Examine. [250 words] 15 • 7. How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above,…"
"• Artificial Intelligence can be used with historic weather data to predict the best time for sowing of seeds. With the help of historic data from the farms, AI can predict other stages of the farming process such as when to irrigate the field and apply fertilizers etc. to get the maximum yield with least input cost.• Farmers are also using AI to create seasonal forecasting models to improve agricultural accuracy and increase productivity. These models are able to predict upcoming weather patterns months ahead to assist decisions of farmers.• IoT-led devices with remote sensors can be placed a…"
How this topic is evolving
No related current-affairs trend found for this question yet.
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Critically examine
- Scope keywords
- Artificial Intelligencedependeble source of inputadministrative rational decision-makingdebatable issueethical point of view
- Implicit sub-parts
- How AI enhances administrative rationality through data-driven objectivity and efficiency.
- The ethical risks of over-reliance on AI, specifically concerning algorithmic bias, lack of empathy, and opacity (Black Box).
- The tension between 'technical rationality' and 'public service values' in a welfare state.
- The necessity of human-in-the-loop oversight to ensure accountability and moral agency.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic technical essay on the pros/cons of AI instead of focusing on administrative ethics.
- Neglecting the concept of 'rationality' in the context of Max Weber or public administration theory.
- Failing to address the word 'dependable', which questions the reliability and trust in AI systems.
- Omitting the conflict between automated efficiency and the constitutional requirement for discretion and natural justice.
- Dimensions required
- Accountability and ResponsibilityEquity and Non-discriminationTransparency and the Right to KnowCompassion and Human Touch in Service DeliveryMoral Agency and Deontology
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words to defining AI's role in administrative rationality. Dedicate 50 words to the 'pro-AI' ethical arguments (objectivity, speed). Devote 50 words to the critical ethical challenges (bias, lack of accountability). Use the final 20 words to conclude with a synthesis on 'Human-centric AI' as a decision-support tool rather than a decision-maker.
How examiners have framed this topic over the years
Transitioned from human empathy to technological rationality (AI), eventually questioning the structural distance between decision-makers and operational reality.
Initially, examiners focused on the human element of governance, testing emotional intelligence in 2017 and the empathy-wisdom nexus in 2022. A pivot occurred in 2021, questioning digital technology as a 'reliable source' for rational decisions, which was directly refined in 2024 by substituting 'digital technology' with 'Artificial Intelligence' to test ethical dimensions. Subsequently, in 2025, the framing shifted from the tool of decision-making to its structural geography, critiquing the lack of proximity between decision-makers and information sources.
PYQs this pattern was synthesized from
Answer Skeleton — fill this in
Introduction
Define Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for Administrative Rationality, aiming to enhance the "efficiency" and "predictability" of the Weberian model of bureaucracy through data-driven insights [Yojana, Tech in Governance].
Dimensions of Ethical Debate
Objectivity vs. Algorithmic Bias
- Data Integrity: AI relies on historical data which may contain systemic biases against marginalized groups, violating Article 14 principles [NITI Aayog, National Strategy for AI].
- Discrimination: Risks of automated exclusion in welfare schemes (e.g., PDS or DBT) due to "Data Poisoning" or narrow parameters.
Accountability and the "Black Box" Problem
- Transparency: The lack of explainability in neural networks makes it difficult to assign Ethical Responsibility when errors occur [2nd ARC, 12th Report].
- Redressal: Difficulty for citizens to challenge a "machine-made" decision compared to a human one.
Human Agency and De-professionalization
- Loss of Discretion: Over-reliance on AI might erode the "Human-in-the-loop" approach, diminishing the empathy required for public service [Lexicon, Ethics in Public Service].
- Moral Autonomy: Administrators risk becoming mere "cog-in-the-machine" by following algorithmic outputs without ethical scrutiny.
Privacy and Data Ethics
- Surveillance: Ethical concerns regarding mass surveillance and the right to privacy vs. administrative efficiency [Puttaswamy Judgment].
- Consent: Challenges in obtaining informed consent for data processing in social welfare delivery.
Conclusion
AI must remain a supportive rather than substitutive tool. Adopting a "Responsible AI" framework ensures that administrative decisions uphold constitutional morality alongside technical rationality.
Ready to practice?
Take this question, write your own answer in 150 words, and get an instant, rubric-based evaluation showing where you stand.
Open evaluation workspace →