BPYM-162 Solved Assignment January 2026 | Ethics: An Introduction | IGNOU BAFPY

Q: Write an essay on the development of ethics in the western philosophy. Or Answer the following:

Answer available — download the full PDF for complete details.

Q: Answer any two of the following questions in about 200 words each.

Answer available — download the full PDF for complete details.

Q: Write short notes on any five of the following in about 100 words each.

Answer available — download the full PDF for complete details.

Q1. What are Puruṣārthas? Analyze this concept in Indian philosophical context. Or What is Moral Action, according to Immanuel Kant? What are the Philosophical views on Moral Action?

Key Points:

Puruṣārthas are the four fundamental goals of human life in Indian philosophy.
Dharma means righteous conduct, moral duty, and ethical living.
Artha represents material prosperity, economic security, and resources.
Kama refers to desire, pleasure, enjoyment, and emotional fulfillment.

Answer: In Indian philosophical traditions, Puruṣārthas represent the four fundamental aims or goals of human life. These are considered the blueprints for a fulfilling and virtuous existence, providing a holistic framework for human endeavor and well-being. The concept emphasizes that a meaningful life involves the pursuit of both material and spiritual objectives, leading to ultimate liberation. The four Puruṣārthas are Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Dharma refers to righteous conduct, moral dutie...

Q2. Write an essay on the development of ethics in the western philosophy. Or Answer the following:

a) What are the qualifications of moral norm? (200 words)
b) What do you understand by natural moral law? Discuss. (200 words)

Key Points:

Moral norms are prescriptive rules guiding conduct, indicating what 'ought' to be done.
Key qualifications of moral norms include prescriptivity, universalizability, and overridingness.
Natural moral law proposes inherent, universal moral principles discoverable by human reason.
Thomas Aquinas significantly developed natural law, linking it to divine reason and human inclinations.

Answer:

Q3. Answer any two of the following questions in about 200 words each.

a) Explain the Socratic dictum “Virtue is Knowledge". (200 words)
b) What is the nature of meta-ethical relativism? (200 words)
c) Is there a difference between de-ontological ethics and Virtue Ethics? Explain. (200 words)
d) What is Consequentialism? What are the two types of consequentialism? (200 words)

Key Points:

Socrates' dictum: "Virtue is Knowledge" means moral actions stem from knowing good, and evil from ignorance.
Meta-ethical relativism asserts moral truths are relative to cultures/individuals, not objective or universal.
Deontological ethics focuses on duties, rules, and inherent rightness of actions, irrespective of consequences (act-centered).
Virtue Ethics focuses on the moral agent's character and cultivation of virtues for a good life (agent-centered).

Answer:

Q4. Answer any four of the following four questions in about 150 words each.

a) Write a note on the Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative theory. (150 words)
b) What are Antecedent and Consequent Conscience? Discuss. (150 words)
c) Write a note on the relevance of Ethics. (150 words)
d) Explain the four Cardinal virtues according to Plato. (150 words)
e) How is moral relativism different from moral absolutism? (150 words)
f) Write a short note on Aristotle's Virtue Ethics. (150 words)
g) What does Mill understand from the concept of ‘First principle'? (150 words)

Key Points:

Kant's Categorical Imperative: Moral duties are absolute, universal, based on maxim's universalizability.
Conscience Types: Antecedent (guides before action), Consequent (evaluates after action).
Ethics Relevance: Guides decision-making, fosters justice, promotes well-being, builds trust.
Plato's Cardinal Virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Temperance, Justice for individual and societal harmony.

Answer: This section comprehensively addresses fundamental concepts in ethics, encompassing deontological theories like Kant's Categorical Imperative, the psychological aspect of conscience, the foundational virtues in ancient philosophy, the societal relevance of ethical inquiry, and contrasting meta-ethical perspectives such as moral relativism versus absolutism. It further delves into consequentialist thought with Mill's First Principle and character-centric ethics as seen in Aristotle's Virtue Ethic...

Q5. Write short notes on any five of the following in about 100 words each.

a) Rta (100 words)
b) Deontology (100 words)
c) Eudaimonia (100 words)
d) Intrinsic evil (100 words)
e) Virtue (100 words)
f) Hedonism (100 words)
g) Moral Sentiments (100 words)
h) Karma (100 words)

Key Points:

Rta: Ancient Vedic cosmic and moral order, guiding Dharma.
Deontology: Duty-based ethics; actions are right if they adhere to moral rules, regardless of consequences.
Eudaimonia: Greek concept of human flourishing and well-being achieved through virtuous activity.
Intrinsic Evil: Acts inherently wrong, irrespective of intention or consequences (e.g., torture).

Answer:

BPYM-162 Solved Assignment — January 2026 / July 2025

Ethics: An Introduction | IGNOU Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (BAFPY)

BPYM-162—January 2026 / July 2025

Ethics: An Introduction

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BPYM-162 Assignment Questions — January 2026

Q1. What are Puruṣārthas? Analyze this concept in Indian philosophical context. Or What is Moral Action, according to Immanuel Kant? What are the Philosophical views on Moral Action?

Q2. Write an essay on the development of ethics in the western philosophy. Or Answer the following:

Q3. Answer any two of the following questions in about 200 words each.

Q4. Answer any four of the following four questions in about 150 words each.

Q5. Write short notes on any five of the following in about 100 words each.

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