Ethics and Human Interface

Table of Contents

1. Ethics and Human Interface

1. ETHICS:
2. DETERMINANTS OF ETHICS:
3. BELIEF:
4. Essence of Ethics in Human Actions:
5. CONSEQUENCES OF ETHICS IN HUMAN ACTIONS
6. Consequences of Ethics means consequences of human actions which are guided by ethical
practices. This means, if there is an action then definitely there is a reaction so being ethical will
bring you good consequences like awards, rewards, appreciation etc but it will also bring bad
consequences like transfers at work place, societal stigma, fear of harm to family members etc.
7. VALUE SYSTEM:
8. ATTITUDES:
9. MORALS:
10. APPROACHES TO ETHICS
11. BRANCHES OF ETHICS
12. DIMENSIONS AND TYPES OF ETHICS:
13. PERSONAL Vs PROFESSIONAL ETHICS:
14. ETHICS IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC RELATIONSHIPS
15. ETHICS IN PRIVATE LIFE & PUBLIC LIFE
16. ETHICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION:
17. Human Values- Lessons from Lives of Great Leaders, Administrators & Reformers
18. ROLE OF FAMILY, SOCIETY AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN INCULCATING
ETHICAL VALUES
19. ESSENCE OF HUMAN LIFE
20. Previous Year Questions:

Ethics and Human Interface

To prepare for ETHICS for any competitive exam, aspirants have to know about the Ethics and Human
Interface. It gives an idea of all the important topics for the IAS Exam and the Economy syllabus (GS-
IV.).Ethics and Human Interface terms are important from Ethical perspectives in the UPSC exam. IAS
aspirants should thoroughly understand their meaning and application, as questions can be asked from this static
portion of the IAS Syllabus in both the UPSC Prelims and the UPSC Mains exams. Even these topics are also
highly linked with current affairs. Almost every question asked from them is related to current events. So, apart
from standard textbooks, you should rely on newspapers and news analyses as well for these sections.

Since time immemorial Ethics was practised by several personalities across the ancient India such as
Buddha’s Ashtanga Marga and Ashoka’s realisation after Kalinga war.
But Ethics became more relevant after Industrial Revolution started when man became greedy and
started exploiting the nature, colonisation, imperialism and rich becoming richer, poor becoming poorer,
crime and discrimination started every nook and corner of the society.
As a civil servant, he has to gone through various critical circumstances in his service. Therefore, it’s
important to study Ethics and inculcate those values into administration. It is not only helping him in
 decision making but also give him opportunity

to uplift the weaker sections of the society.

Why Ethics?
To satisfy basic need
Create credibility
Improve decision making
Self realisation

ETHICS:

Etymologically the term “Ethics” correspond to the Greek word “Ethos” which mean Character, Habit,
Customs or Way of behaviour, etc. Hence, Ethics, defined as Systematic study of human actions from the point
of view of their rightfulness or wrongfulness. Simply it’s “A set of principles which guides us what to do and
what not to do the way acceptable to the society.”

But what is acceptable to society and what is not acceptable to society?

What is right and what is wrong?

What is good conduct and what is bad conduct?

What Ethics is not about?

Ethics is not morality

Ethics is not religion.
Ethics is not following the law
Ethics is not following culturally accepted norms
Ethics is not likes and dislikes
Ethics is not beliefs

ESSENCE OF ETHICS:

Essence is the intrinsic quality of something that determines its character.

Ethics originate from the sense of justice prevailing in a particular society.

Ethics operates at different level like individual, organisation, socio-cultural, political and international.
Ethics at each level affect each other.
Ethics are interrelated to each other. E.g. – honesty, truthfulness, integrity; values of equality and justice
cannot exist without tolerance etc
Ethical behaviour leads to various benefits for an individual as well as the society at large. Ethics leads
to peace, harmony, respect, justice etc.
Ethics preach a certain kind of behaviour to us. It tells us how should people behave.
Ethics are abstract and subjective in nature i.e., they are affected by individual’s emotion and perception.
 Ethics are determined in a social setting at a given point of ti A society’s history, culture, values etc.
determine ethical standards which may vary from society to society.
Ethics is not an objective universal concept. Its understanding varies from time to time, person to person,
society to society.
Ethical standards may transcend the narrow stipulations of law and code of regulations.

COMPONENTS OF ESSENCE OF ETHICS:

The basic components of essence of ethics are:

Choices – Certain preferences and priorities makes us to decide what we want. Such choices which we
made reflects in our actions
Actions – Choices in turn shown through our actions physically.
Behaviour – It is the way we act or conducts ourselves. The behaviour in which we exhibit influenced by
choices we made and acts we did.If its ethical, it called as ethical behaviour for example, treating others
with respect or no respect.

NEED OF ETHICS:

To regulate social relationships

Ethical values help in Growth and Development overall
For self-satisfaction
To live a happy life and meaningful
Making a good citizen
Man, as social animal by nature is so selfish and exploit others for his own benefit and satisfaction,
therefore to achieve greater good ethics are required.

CONSEQUENCES OF ETHICS:

Consequences for individual Consequences for society

· Happiness · Peace and harmony

· Positive outlook toward society · Good governance

· Elevated sense of being · Justice and inclusion

· Credibility · Equitable and inclusive development

· Accomplishment · Future generations:

· Acceptability and likeability: · Environment

· Interpersonal relations: · Healthy society

· Decision making · Faith

ETHICS IN INDIA AND SOURCES OF ETHICS:

Source Ethics
· Ashoka’s giving up war and spreading dharma
Historic Texts
· Harshvardhan’s Charity and truthfulness
Ramayana & Mahabharat Ideal governance, consequences of bad intentions, Nishkam karma
Non-Violence, Self-sustenance, swaraj, satyagraha, Courage of conviction,
Gandhi Ethics
sustainable development
Constitution Liberty, Equality and fraternity, secularism, justice etc.
Buddhist Ethics Four Nobel truths, middle path, non-violence
Jain Ethics Not harm to anyone including small creatures
Sikh Ethics Langar, brotherhood
Islamic Ethics Collectivism, code of conduct
Laws lay down the basic framework for ethical action, and indicate the
Laws
guidelines for such action.
It plays a crucial role in laying down the norms for acceptable community
Society
behaviour.
Our inner conscience perhaps serves as the final point, where the actual
Conscience
decision-making about what is ethical, and what is not, are eventually made.
The determinants of ethics are often regarded as the universal human values
Human values​
such as truthfulness, honesty, integrity, etc.

Ethics in India
Historic Texts
Ramaya and Mahabharth
Gandhi Ethics
Constitutional values
Buddhist Ethics
Jain Ethics
Sikh Ethics
Islamic Ethics

DETERMINANTS OF ETHICS:

Person: Depends on mental make-up of individual. It depends upon how the person has internalised
personal attitudes and values regarding ethical behaviour.
Place: It refers to the external environment which includes family, school, etc. For example, as kids we
were told by our parents and teachers to not to steal things. As we grow up we tend to carry such
knowledge and apply it to real world. Similarly, work place teaches us ethics of teamwork, punctuality,
responsibility, etc.
Time: Different individuals, societies and culture have different set of moral codes at different times. It
was once considered ethical to own a slave. But today such a practise is unethical.
 Object: It is unethical to lie despite any circumstances, purpose or intention. Telling a truth to
intentionally harm a person is also unethical as the intention of telling a truth is not pure.
Circumstances: Stealing is unethical. But a poor person stealing to feed her children reduces unethically
of the act. Such situation ethics bring subjectivity as it often makes morality subjective.
End purpose: To give donation to a poor person is good but if such donation is to lure poor person to do
something for you, then it becomes immoral.
Culture: Culture has profound effect on shaping individual values. As western culture surrounds around
individualistic and Indian culture based on universalism.
Role Models/Celebrities/Famous Personalities: The leadership or role models and celebrities of a
society or an organization or nation also helps to determine the conduct of their followers or admirers is
ethical.
Constitution: Constitution of various countries also is a way to establish moral disposition of their
society.
God & Religion: Every religion and god advocate universal peace and ethical practices. Religious
textbooks teach how one should behave in a society and how the society should be.
Conscience & Intuition: A person who follows his conscience & Intuition feel that what is good is good
because it is good and what is bad is bad because it is bad. Intuition don’t need any justification while
following its actions. But conscience is justified based on his actions because of its moral nature and it has
reasoning and justification.
Family: Family is the first interaction where a children personality develops since his birth. Today’s
Children are tomorrow’s citizens. Therefore, its utmost important that Family environment teaches what is
ethically correct.

Ethical Management and Management of Ethics:

ETHICS, VALUES AND MORALS:

Ethics Values Morals

Morals are principles of right
Values can be defined as and wrong held by an
qualities that are individual. Unlike ethics,
instrumental to us. Values are morals are standards of
benchmarks or standards on behaviour pertaining to an
Ethics are standards of
which the desirability of an individual and not social
human conduct that society
action can be measured. conduct. Morals arise from
adopts for itself. Ethics are
Values act as an internal personal experience,
a set of dos and don’ts that
compass which help a person character, conscience and so
govern human conduct in a
evaluate different choices of on. For instance,
social setting.
conduct and behaviour. E.g. Homosexuality might be
honesty, integrity, empathy, moral form individual’s
courage, dedication, perspective. But it might be
compassion etc. unethical in a society’s point
of view.
BELIEF:

A belief is most common term used to explain the behavioural component of a person. It is an internal
feeling that something is true, even though that belief may be unproven and irrational.
g. My belief is that god plays important role in success and achievements in life.
g. Gandhiji believed that swaraj can be attained within one year of launching non-cooperation movement.
Belief can be peripheral (weak) and core (strong). Beliefs which are formed by direct interaction are
generally strong.
Belief is also referred as cognition.

Essence of Ethics in Human Actions:

Essence of ethics in human actions refers to the influence of ethical values in human conduct. Ethics is
a set of standards that society places on itself and which helps guide behaviour, choices and actions.
What kind of conduct a person follows reflects in his actions. Either he wants to follow good ones which
will make him a good human being or he wants to follow the bad one that will cause only harm to him as
well as to the society.
But standards alone don’t ensure ethical behaviour which requires a robust culture of integrity. The
crux of ethical behaviour does not lie only in standards, but in their adoption in action and in sanctions
against their violations.
Deciding between Good and Bad is not easy. Our Course of action decides which is good and bad.
Because good is not always pleasurable but bad always attracts us which is by nature easy thing to do.

Examples:

Habituating to smoking is easy but Quitting smoke is very much hard to achieve. By smoking, we get
pleasure but quitting smoke requires we need self-determination.
Therefore, our Course of action decides our Ethical conduct. The underlying principles to decide
whether it is ethical or not decided by factors like larger public good, conservation and sustainable
development.

CONSEQUENCES OF ETHICS IN HUMAN ACTIONS

Consequences of Ethics means consequences of human actions which are guided by ethical
practices. This means, if there is an action then definitely there is a reaction so being
ethical will bring you good consequences like awards, rewards, appreciation etc but it will
also bring bad consequences like transfers at work place, societal stigma, fear of harm to
family members etc.

· 20 year old girl, Rukhsana Kausar, from the Kashmir won the Indian
Examples: National Bravery Award for the killing of Terrorist.

· IAS officer Ashok Khemka transferred more than 50 times just because
he is honest civil servant.
Consequential Ethics – where an act can be considered as good if it’s able to produce positive results.

At Individual level it will builds self-confidence, courage of

conviction, trust and credibility.

Examples:

· Court ruled out accusation charges against Ex Chairperson of

ISRO Madhavan Nair and also asked govt to pay compensation for
his mental suffer.

· Edward Snowdon’s leaking of highly classified CIA personal

At Individual data monitoring across the world
level
· Wiki leaks founder Julian Assange’s home arrest by Leaking US
army’s intelligence mischief.
At organisational Level, its brand quality improves, creates trusts
among people. But whistle blowers may face life threat for leaking
mischief happening in the organisation

Examples:

· Election Commission of India – Even after seven decades it

conducting elections free and fair manner. People and political
parties posed tremendous faith on ECI for conducting elections
At organisational
Level · TATAs known for their social service. Its brand never become as
history even after independence.

· Recent Infosys whistle-blower’s letter to SEBI regarding mischief

happening in management salary structure. Such an organisation
protects such whistle blowers.
At societal level, it creates social capital, communal harmony,
absence of greed, distributive justice.

Examples:
At societal level
· Bhutan is one the happiest nation across the countries because
they measure wealth in terms of Gross National Happiness

CONSEQUENCES OF LOSS OF ETHICS:

Ethics plays and instrumental role in human life and society. Ethics helps in arriving at decisions more quickly
as it assist making choices. It reveals the value dimension of a decision that would otherwise seems value free.
However, loss of ethics could cause following consequences:
Dimension Consequences
Petty crimes, domestic violence, urinating and spitting on
Individual level public spaces, abusive and filthy language, crime against aged,
jumping rad light.
Corruption, Rise in crime rate, acknowledging goons and
Social level mafias, joint family, parent’s respect, drug addiction,
regionalism, castes.
Nepotism, Corruption, rise in inequalities, loss of trust,
Organisational level decrease in efficiency, economy and effectiveness, destruction
of work culture, loss of trust in the administration, lawlessness.
Hung parliament, corruption, criminalisation of politics,
Political level
Coalition govt.
Trust deficit, frictions, disputes, unhealthy competition, damage
International level to the environment and unsustainable development, disregard to
international conventions and laws.
Abortion, animal rights, cloning, artificial intelligence, consent,
Bioethical level
confidentiality, GM organisms, Suicide.
Loss of flora and fauna, unsustainable development, polluter
shall pay principle is diminishing, increase in pollution levels,
Environmental level
disregard to Common But Differentiated Responsibility
(CBDR)

VALUE SYSTEM:

Since human born, he will undergo several stages of personality development. The basic pillar on which
his Behaviour depends on the Values he adopted in his life cycle.
A strong value system defines character and character allow him to follow specific code of conduct. Such
conduct finally turns into Behaviour. Therefore, a strong value system makes a person stronger either they
are good values or bad values.

“Values are defined as a set of standards of Human Conduct which are important for humans based on
human preferences, beliefs & Knowledge “

· Universal across the time and space

Core Values
· Examples: Love, self-lessness, Compassion
· Changes with time and space
Peripheral values
· Examples: Truthfulness, Impartiality

“All Ethics Are Values. All Values Are Not Ethics”

Example:

Bad Values Good Values

· Believe in Patriarchy and women
subordinate to men · Kindness

· Generation “Ok boomer”, who believe in · Respecting elders, women

Climate change is a myth
· Protecting Environment
· Killing of animals
· Honesty
· Corruption
· Tolerance
· Opaqueness in a Govt organisation

Personal Values vs. Social Values

Personal Values Social Values

· Important for individual wellbeing. · Important for other people’s wellbeing.

· Examples: self-respect, comfortable life, · Examples: equality, social justice,

freedom etc. national security, world peace etc.

A positive and fulfilling life requires a coordinated and balanced pursuit of both self-serving and other serving
values.

Different Types of Values:

We are having different types of value system based on where they are applicable according to the time and
space.

Strong Values: No change in his value system . Not subjected to others influence
Weak Values: Frequent change and subject to influence by others
Universal Values: Does not changes Time& Space they are Universal in nature
Changes according to time & Space
Time specific
Values:
Individual Values: Follow according to his conscience
Social Values: Untouchability, Child Marriage, Gender equality, Social Justice etc
Economic Values: Fair in Trade, Economic Justice, Adulteration, Crony capitalism etc
Ethical Values: Honesty, Truthful, Integrity etc
Political Values: Public Service, Democracy, Rights etc

· Tolerance
Indian values · Atithi devo bhava

· Universal Brotherhood

· Non-Violence

· Vasudhaivaa kutumbakam

· Living with Nature etc

· Liberal

· Individualism

· Egalitarian society
Western Values
· Materialism

· Privacy etc
· Universalism

· Benevolence

· Compassion

· Empathy

· Self-Sustenance

· Sustainable Development
Universal Values
· Universal Brotherhood

· Service to Mother earth and Humanity

· Selflessness

Source to the Universal Values:

Universal Values derived from Primary laws that is Nature

Vedas and other religious scriptures Talk about primary laws which are always universal.
Example: Selflessness

Knowledge and wealth always beneficial to the people so if we hit a tree with stone it will give fruits instead of
hitting us back. Universal values are primary, unconditional & self-lessness. Service based on complete
Compassion and Love.

Relative Values: Relative values are –

Depends on time and space

Secondary values
Subject to change
Examples:

1. Untouchability & Slavery was considered as upper-class value but its abolished over a period of time
2. Child marriages was banned which were considered earlier customary practice
3. Dowry system
4. Sea voyage was a sin to Hindus but its misconception was removed by Raja Rammohan Roy after
travelling to England through sea route.

Values can also be classified as:

Terminal Values: related to an ultimate goal or end of a person

Instrumental Values: related to means of achieving the desired outcome or an end

Terminal Values Instrumental Values

· Ambitious, Hardworking and aspiring
· Beauty
· Broad and open minded
· Equality
· Courageous
· Family Security
· Honesty
· Freedom
· Self-Control
· Inner harmony
· Obedience
· Self-Respect
· Intelligent and reflective
· Wisdom
· Politeness
· True friendship
· Forgiveness
· National Security
· Helpful and welfare oriented
· Salvation
· Cheerful, light hearted and joyful
· Sense of accomplishment
· Competence and effectiveness

ETHICS (What Is Right?) Vs VALUES (What Is Important?)

ETHICS VALUES
Set of principles which are accepted by the society Values are nothing but Choices of Individuals
Macro in Nature Micro in Nature
Basically, at societal level Individual level
It can be only good choices made by individuals It can be either good or bad
ATTITUDES:

Attitudes are views, beliefs, or evaluations of people about something (the object). The attitude object can
be a person, place, thing, ideology, or an event. Attitudes can be positive or negative.
g.: I hate men with long hair. In this example, the person is having a negative attitude towards men who
grow long hair.
Both Attitudes and Values are the beliefs (views)of a person. However, attitude is the belief (views) of a
person towards ‘something’. Examples: I hate snakes, I don’t like big cars.
Thus you can see that attitude is all about whether you like or dislike something.
Value is also a belief (about what is important), but it’s not towards anything.
Value can exist in itself.
Then how is attitude connected with value? Attitude is the view of a person regarding a value.

Attitudes vs. Values

Attitudes Values
What do you like / dislike? What is important for you?
Derives from Beliefs Derives from Beliefs
E.g. They like honest people E.g. They value honesty

MORALS:

Ethics, Morals and Values often use interchange. Morals are part ethics based on concept of goodness.
Here Bad part of ethics excluded. Morality is standards of individuals for right and wrong. Derived from
Latin word ‘Moralitus’ which means character.
Examples: Being Honest, Transparency, Fair choice to everyone in recruitment exam etc

Private Morality Public Morality Political Morality

This is called Inter personal
Inter group Morality Morality among rulers
Morality
Political morality specifying what
Harmony between different rulers and the ruled owe one
Obligations to our children, spouse, religious-philosophical groups another and also subjects owe
parents, teachers and relatives generated by the exercise of self- obedience to their king. But the
restraint ruler too owed something to his
subjects to ensure the good of all
Values such as political freedom,
As there is no personal attachments,
Here Morality is guided by solidarity, shared traditions and
Individual goals and self-interest
unarticulated emotions among cultural heritage guides morality as
guides morality. There is no
members of family citizens are subjects of political
commonly held ethic either.
state.
We have a duty towards those under
Neither hate speech nor speech The core of political morality is a
our special care, including the aged,
glorifying oneself was acceptable as commitment to justice, to
‘servants’, animals and,
part of public morality impartiality.
occasionally, strangers.
 We have to overcome our loyalty
to blood relations, not pursue only
We can’t completely escape from
our private interests, and commit
being impartial because obligation Some degree of partiality exists
instead to using power grounded in
towards our personal relationships
shared principles and complete
impartiality and no discrimination
One’s private life automatically Political morality need not be
Public morality transforms to elect
guarantees high moral stature in shown private morality after
morally correct leaders
political life. assuming the power

CONSTITUTIONAL MORALITY

Constitutional morality is substantive content of the constitution in the form of Ethical Ideas that
underlines formal provisions.
Justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, can be taken as elements of modern constitutional morality.
According to the Ambedkar, constitution could be at best provides a legal framework, a necessary but
not sufficient condition for such a transformation.
To be effective, constitutional laws have to be rest upon substratum of Constitutional morality. It is
not a natural sentiments but has to be cultivated.
Constitutional morality:
Enhances values like liberty, equality and fraternity
Secularism i.e., respect for plurality
Political, social and economic justice
Open culture of dissent and constructive criticism
Tolerance, restraint and mutual accommodation in public life
Respect for formally prescribed rules and procedures
Constitutional morality is the basis for which any statutory acts should be made.

VOICE OF CONSCIENCE

It’s part of sub conscious state that which instructs us to act in a particular way. Power to think decisions
about value system. Here Ends have given more importance than means.
Voice of Conscienceis our ability to make a practical decision in light of ethical values and principles.
Voice of Conscienceis a person’s moral compass of right and wrong as well as the consciousness of one’s
actions. It is the small voice from inside and also voice of god. But usually, we don’t pay heed to such
voice so we end up taking wrong decisions.
Man loses his state of mind and for moment he will act and later realisation happen with punishment. Lot
of criminal cases happens when a person loses his state of mind and don’t listen to his Voice of
Conscience.

Examples:

When we have to choose between family or organisation in a case involved from your family, it is
the conscience guides you what decision you have to take.
When appointing Vivekananda as chief disciple of Ramakrishna paramahamsa he asked to steal
rice from home with condition of nobody watching but Vivekananda replied that, “his inner
conscience always watching himself”.
 Famous business woman and her husband Indrani Mukherjee killed her own daughter. In this world
only snakes kill their own babies where their inner conscience became blind.

COURAGE OF CONVICTION

It means you will do what you believe and have that courage to accept what you believe. If you have the
courage of your convictions, you have the confidence to do what you believe is right, even though other people
may not agree or approve.

Examples:

Gandhiji fought against discrimination happened to Indians and blacks in South Africa
Raja Rammohan Roy fought against sati abolition
Ishwar Chandra Vidya Sagar fought against child marriages and supported widow remarriage

CRISIS OF CONSCIENCE

It is a situation in which it is very difficult to decide what is the right thing to do. It’s one of the ethical
dilemmas but in strong sense.
Example: To withdraw Non-cooperation movement Gandhiji underwent such situation. If withdraws the
movement he will face backlash from fellow leaders and if it was not withdrawn it will lead to more
violent nature. But he followed what he believed and subsequently withdrawn.

ETHICS Vs MORALS

ETHICS MORALS
· Ethics are standards of human conduct that society · These are principles of right and wrong held by an
adopts for itself. individual.
· Ethics are a set of dos and don’ts that govern
· Self-regulation in a personal life
human conduct in a social setting.
· Ethics is the standards of “good and bad” · Morality as something that’s personal and normative
distinguished by a certain community or social
setting.
· ethics is the term used in conjunction with
· Moral connotation linked theology and spirituality
business, medicine, or law
· Uniform across the cultures · Vary person to person and culture to culture
· But at personal level you may either support to
· Examples: Ethically adultery is wrong
adultery or you feel it’s wrong.

Relationship Values Examples

 Helping to downtrodden section of people or
Ethical & Moral Selflessness & Integrity any act which is in consistency between moral
and ethics
Live-in relationship moral to youngsters but
Neo-liberal values like freedom
Ethical but not moral not acceptable to older generations. Another
and liberty
example is Home sexuality
Moral but not ethical Selfishness, cultural values War

ETHICS Vs LAW

ETHICS LAW
The law is defined as the systematic body of rules that
Ethics means the science of a standard human
governs the whole society and the actions of its
conduct.
individual members
Ethics comprises of guidelines and principles that
inform people about how to live or how to behave in The law consists of a set of rules and regulations
a particular situation.
Ethics are governed by an individual, legal or
The law is created by the Government, which may be
professional norm, i.e., workplace ethics,
local, regional, national or international
environmental ethics and so on.
The law is expressed in the constitution in a written
It cannot be found in written form.
form or statute books
It is internal – Intrinsic It is externally driven – Extrinsic
Breach or violation may not result in immediate The breach of law may result in punishment or penalty,
punishment. or both
Ethically acceptable can also be acceptable to the
Legally acceptable need not be Ethical
law
Ethics has no such binding on the people Legally binding
Ethics that are the code of conduct that helps a The objective of the law is to maintain social order and
person to decide what is right or wrong and how to peace within the nation and protection to all the
act. citizens.

APPROACHES TO ETHICS

Every day we come across several ethical and moral dilemmas in our daily life. Dealing with these moral
issues is often perplexing. How, should we think through an ethical issue?
What questions should we ask? What factors should we consider? Therefore, to solve an ethical dilemma
the first step in analyzing moral issues is to get the facts.
But having the facts is not enough. Facts by themselves only tell us what is; they do not tell us what ought
to be. In addition to getting the facts, resolving an ethical issue also requires an appeal to values.
Philosophers have developed five different approaches to values to deal with moral issues. They are:

Utilitarian approach
Rights approach
 Justice approach
Common good approach
Virtue approach

Utilitarian Approach

Utilitarianism was conceived in the 19th century by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill to help
legislators determine which laws were morally best. Both Bentham and Mill suggested that ethical actions
are those that provide the greatest balance of good over evil. To analyze an issue using the utilitarian
approach,
First identify the various courses of action available to us.
Second, we ask who will be affected by each action and what benefits or harms will be derived from each.
Third, we choose the action that will produce the greatest benefits to the greatest no of peoples with the
least harm.

“The ethical action is the one that provides the greatest good for the greatest number.”

Rights Approach

Proposed by Immanuel Kant and similar thought of philosophers, who focused on the individual’s right
to choose for herself or himself. According to this school of philosophers, what makes “human beings
different from mere things is that people have dignity based on their ability to choose freely what they
will do with their lives, and they have a fundamental moral right to have these choices respected”.
In deciding whether an action is moral or immoral using this approach:
Does the action respect the moral rights of everyone?
Actions are wrong to the extent that they violate the rights of individuals
The more serious the violation, the more wrongful the action.

People are not objects to be manipulated. It is a violation of human dignity to use people in ways they do not
freely choose. Some of the examples of individual rights are right to privacy, right to truthful, right to not be
harm by anyone.

The Fairness or Justice Approach

The fairness or justice approach to ethics has its roots in the teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher
Aristotle, who said that “equals should be treated equally and unequal unequally.”
The basic moral question in this approach is:
How fair is an action?
Does it treat everyone in the same way, or does it show favouritism and discrimination?
Favouritism gives benefits to some people without a justifiable reason for singling them out;
discrimination imposes burdens on people who are no different from those on whom burdens are not
imposed. Both favouritism and discrimination are unjust and wrong.

The Common-Good Approach

 This approach to ethics assumes a society comprising individuals whose own good is linked to the good of
the community. Community members are bound by the pursuit of common values and goals.
The common good is a notion that originated more than 2,000 years ago in the writings of Plato,
Aristotle, and Cicero. More recently, contemporary ethicist John Rawls defined the “common good as
certain general conditions that are equally to everyone’s advantage.” In this approach, we focus on
ensuring that the social policies, social systems, institutions, and environments on which we depend are
beneficial to all.
Examples of goods common to all include affordable health care, effective public safety, peace among
nations, a just legal system, and an unpolluted environment.

The Virtue Approach

There is another kind of approach apart from above four, The virtue approach. In this approach, certain
ideals strive towards full development of our humanity. These ideals are discovered through thoughtful
reflection on what kind of people we have the potential to become.
Virtues are attitudes or character traits that enable us to be and to act in ways that develop our highest
potential.
They enable us to pursue the ideals we have adopted.
Honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, and prudence are all
examples of virtues.
Virtues are like habits – that is, once acquired, they become characteristic of a person.
Moreover, a person who has developed virtues will be naturally disposed to act in ways consistent with
moral principles. The virtuous person is the ethical person.
In dealing with an ethical problem using the virtue approach, we might ask:
What kind of person should I be?
What will promote the development of character within myself and my community?

Ethical Problem solving using above approaches:

Using the above five approaches, once we have ascertained the facts, we should ask ourselves five
questions when trying to resolve a moral issue:

What benefits and what harms will each course of action produce, and which alternative will lead to
the best overall consequences?
What moral rights do the affected parties have, and which course of action best respects those
rights?
Which course of action treats everyone the same, except where there is a morally justifiable reason
not to, and does not show favouritism or discrimination?
Which course of action advances the common good?
Which course of action develops moral virtues?

This method, of course, does not provide an automatic solution to moral problems. It is not meant to. The
method is merely meant to help identify most of the important ethical considerations. In the end, we must
deliberate on moral issues for ourselves, keeping a careful eye on both the facts and on the ethical
considerations involved.

Challenges to Ethics :
Although value conflicts occur in manifold areas and at all levels of the public service, there are specific
challenges to current public service values which are considered here. They arise in the context of:

New modes of governance

Market-based reforms
Politicisation
Agencification
Decentralisation/relocation
Changes in HRM and recruitment
Information and Communication Technology
Red Tapism

BRANCHES OF ETHICS

Branch of Ethics Description

· This branch seeks to understand the nature of ethical properties and judgments such
as if truth values can be found and the theory behind moral principles.
Meta Ethics
· Determines validity of theories advanced in normative ethics branch. Its described
by thinkers as study & origin of meanings of ethical concepts.
· Focuses on what is right things to do? Also called as prescriptive ethics. It is study
of ethical acts.
Normative
(Prescriptive) Ethics · The largest branch, it deals with how individuals can figure out the correct moral
action that they should take. Philosophers such as S
​ ocrates​and ​John Stuart Mill​are
included in this branch of ethics.
· Kohlberg’s moral education explains this kind of ethics. Studies history and
development of ethics.
Descriptive Ethics · This branch is more scientific in its approach and focuses on how human beings
actually operate in the real world, rather than attempt to theorize about how they
should operate.
· Analyses the application of ethical issues.

· This is the study of applying theories from philosophers regarding ethics in

Applied Ethics everyday life. This uses application of moral knowledge to practical problems and
uses philosophical methods to identify the morally correct course of action in various
fields of human life.

Consequentialism Ethics:

Consequentialism is based result-based ethics. It gives us this guidance when faced with a moral dilemma. It is
based on two principles:

Whether an act is right or wrong depends only on the results of that act
The more good it produces, it treated as a good act
Different forms of consequentialism are:

Utilitarianismstates that people should maximise human welfare or well-being (which they used to call
‘utility’ – hence the name).
Hedonismstates that people should maximise human pleasure.
Other forms of consequentialism take a more subtle approach- for example stating that people should
maximise the satisfaction of their fully informed and rational preferences.

DIMENSIONS AND TYPES OF ETHICS:

Ethics can be classified into different categories based on its Nature and area of application.

Depends on its Nature (Theoretical Dimensions):

Deontological Ethics – Both Means & End important
Teleological Ethics – End is the only Important means are not important

Depends of Area of Application (Applied Dimension):

Personal Ethics –Kind, Truthful, Donations from his earnings etc.
Societal Ethics – Respect to each weaker sections, Social service, Social Responsibility etc
Administrative Ethics – Honesty, Integrity, Transparent, Attitude and Aptitude etc
Media Ethics
Ethics Of Journalism
Corporate Ethics – trusteeship etc.
Business Ethics
Bio-Ethics
Environmental Ethics – Sustainable development, Conservation, Resource efficiency etc.
Medical Ethics – Treat every patients without discrimination, Service to Humanity etc.
Professional Ethics – Business Ethics, Corporate governance, Safe work place for women, Equal
opportunities in the Organisation etc.

DEONTOLOGICAL ETHICS

Derived from the word “Deont” means duty. The MEANS or instruments adopted to achieve outcome is
very much important along with the desired END. Both MEANS and ENDS both should be good.
Thinkers like Gandhiji, Vivekananda, Kant, Nehru Comes under this category.
Example: Gandhiji’s recalling of Non-cooperation movement is example of Deontological Ethics. After
the Chauri chaura incident he called off the movement before it gets more violent. Gandhiji always
believed in Non-Violence.

TELEOLOGICAL ETHICS

Derived from the Greek philosophy. Telos means Ends/Goals. According to this school of thought if the
outcome is good then the actions followed to reach that goal or objectives or ends are also considered as
good actions.
Thinkers like Epicurus, Thomas Aquinas, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, JS Mill and Bentham’s Utilitarian
principle, Karl Marx etc who are considers ends are more important than means.
 Example: Robbin Hood – He Plunders the food and distributes it to poor.

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

Since Ancient times Indians started living with Nature. We respect the rights of the animal species and
plant species. But after the Industrial revolution and LPG era India entered into POLLUTERS CLUB
having members include USA, China, EU.
Emergence of New concept “Anthropocentrism”, is the belief that HUMAN BEING is the most
important entity of this Universe. Then humans started exploited the nature and disturbing the Natural
cycle.
We are heading towards SIXTH MASS EXTINCTION. India took several Initiatives to protect our
Environment like enacting acts like Wild life Protection Act, Environmental Protection Act etc, setup
National Green Tribunal (NGT), to protect endangered species took initiatives like Project Tiger, Project
Elephant, ZSI Red data book etc. Even Judiciary too time to time interfering where Environment is at
stake.
Examples: Uttarakhand High Court declared River Ganga as living entity where it has equal rights along
with Human beings.

Some of the noted Initiatives across the Globe are India’s pledge towards going green with Renewable Energy,
Friday for Future, EU net zero carbon emissions by 2050 etc. Therefore, Sustainable Development and
Environmental Justice is the way forward.

Thomas Aquinas: If there is a Conflict between Primary laws (Natural Laws) and Secondary laws (Manmade),
We shall always prioritize Primary laws.

Environmental Ethics

Anthropocentric
Consequentialistic
Deontologic
Chritsian stewardship
Nature Mangement
Kentensian
Rawlesian
Non-Anthropocentric

Consequentialistic
Deontologic

Animal Protection
Biocentric individulism
Animal rights
Biocentric Holism

Approaches to Environmental Ethics:

To solve ethical problem in solving environmental ethics we should adopt a liberal, conservative and
ecological approach which means we should promote development while conserving the other species and
didn’t harm to ecological balance.
Economic Development Vs Environmental Conservation

Hence, Ethical values help in Growth and Development overall. But the question here is, whether we should
limit to just Economic Growth or Overall Sustainable Development? Growth is important for a country like
India but without sustainable development that growth can never be an Inclusive growth. While giving more
importance to Ethical& social values but at the same time we give equal importance to economic values.
Capitalism is not bad but never let crony capitalism rule the country.

Liberal
Ecological balance
Conservation
Environmental Ethics

MEDICAL ETHICS

Pillars and Principles to be followed in Medical Ethics:

Autonomy
Beneficence, act of charity, mercy and Kindness
Confidentiality
Non – Maleficence/ Do no harm
Equity/Justice
Dignity
Service oriented
Examples: Padmashri Award 2019 winner Dr. Ravindra and his wife Dr. Smita who dedicated their entire
life to serving to the rural people who don’t have access to medical facilities and there is no proper
infrastructure. With minimum equipment they learnt basic surgeries.

BIOETHICS

Bioethics is commonly understood to refer to the ethical implications and applications of the health-related
life sciences. Components of bioethics are:

Genetics:
Much of medicine today is about genetics, whether for disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or
reproductive decision-making.
Emerging genetic technologies and knowledge generate numerous value conflicts. Consequently,
bioethicists ask what is ethically appropriate if individuals have a mutation for a serious and now
untreatable genetic disorder.
Ethics in Clinical trials:
Clinical trials are research studies performed in people that are aimed at evaluating a medical, surgical or
behavioural intervention. Patients who are involved in clinical trials are not used as a means to an end.
Clinical ethics is a practical discipline that aims to resolve ethical questions or disagreements that emerge
in the practice of health care. Clinical ethicists work to identify, analyse, and resolve value conflicts that
arise when providers, patients, families, surrogates, and other stakeholders disagree or are uncertain about
the ethically best course of action.
For example, patients or their surrogates may refuse recommended treatments or demand non-beneficial
treatments, which puts their requests at odds with providers’ medical judgment.
 Clinical ethicists help to identify and clarify ethical questions, find ethically acceptable courses of action,
encourage honest and respectful communication between all parties, and recommend ethically acceptable
solutions for the case at hand.
Clinical ethics also works to improve institutional responses to ethical dilemmas through education and
policy formation.

Ethical Issues Involved:

Protection of Trail subjects

Prior informed consent
Quality of data
Regulation and Monitoring the trail
Compliance with Trial protocol
Professional Competence
Accountability and Transparency
Privacy & Confidentiality
It should be voluntary
Useful for advancement of society but not for profits

Rights Of Participants:

Right to prior consent

Access to information
Privacy
Post trail access to remedy
Compensation for side effects if trail fails

Contemporary Ethical Issues Involved In Bioethics Are:

Privacy and Confidentiality

Cyber-attacks against medical devices
Bio hackers
With growing level of technology treating, one’s own disease with the help of internet and machines
Accessibility of quality treatment
Bio terrorism
Sexuality becoming technological where physical relations at stake

Examples:

COVID-19 vaccine volunteer sued 100cr against serum institute, Pune for making him ill in the trail
A scientist in China using CRISPER technologies to edit baby human genome for desired characters.

Growth Sustainable Development

Value Neutral Value Centric
Quantitative Qualitative
Either Positive or Negative Always Positive
Social Attitude and Behaviour plays very
Social Behaviour plays an important role
minimum role
E.g.: GDP growth or Indian per capita E.g.: Open Defecation free by 2022 and
increase etc Success of Swachh Bharat Mission.

ETHICS IN RELIGION

Ethics are part of every religion but can a person be ethical without religious? This is a long-standing
debate. Central aspect of ethics is “good life”. Greeks called it is a happiness. The ancient Greeks believed
happiness was brought about by living one’s life in accordance with virtue– positive traits of character.
Virtue in the highest sense, in an adult who has been brought up well, will not just involve good personal
habits such as courage and temperance, but also friendship and justice and intellectual virtue. The essence
of virtue is in the wholeness of the person brought about by

God as a basic requirement of ETHICS – Immanuel Kant

If religion has a role in moral decision-making, then what should be that role?

For many individuals, their religion is a centrally defining characteristic of who they are, such that they
would be nearly incapable of making ethical decisions independently of their religious beliefs.
Further, some of our most basic moral sentiments are directly connected to religious ideology.
Examples:
Most people agree that things like murder and adultery are always wrong, regardless of circumstances.
Most major world religions echo these sentiments
In some of the catholic countries it is illegal to abortion
The link between religion and morality is best illustrated by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you
would wish them do unto you”. In other words, we should treat others the way we would want to be
treated. This is the basic ethic that guides all religions. If we do so, happiness will ensue.

ETHICS IN TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Ethics in Technology and Innovation becomes the important area of study due to advancement in science
and technology. With the growing innovations like automation, data management, artificial innovations,
gene editing etc poses huge challenges to the ethical practices.
Some of the recent incidents where technology misused are:
Cambridge Analytica – Voters social media profiles scanned to observe their voting behaviour
Tech giants Google & Facebook – Pro govt sand elected hate speech content removal
Automation and artificial intelligence able to control humans in future
Gene editing technologies

ETHICS IN AI

Humans have something called “a moral compass”. It is an area of our cognition (mental processes of
gaining knowledge and understanding) which tells right from wrong. When you see an injustice, your
brain tells you something is not right.
 The standards of your moral compass strongly depend on your upbringing and environment. This ‘moral
compass’ and environment is also what companies build their ethics on, i.e., to decide what is right and
what is wrong.
AI is a technology that could affect public values, human rights or public decision-making and hence there
is a strong need for ethics here. In the same way that parents raise a child, companies must teach and test
their AI systems to learn, communicate, make unbiased decisions and comply with norms and regulations.
Artificial Intelligence is a very vast field, and today most of the AI code developed across the world falls
under the bucket of Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI). There should not be any pre-existing bias in
the data that is collected from the real-world.
Examples:
Gender bias – when you search for ‘Doctor’ on a search website, the results for Doctor images might
mostly come up as ‘male’. Whereas for ‘Nurse’ most results would be ‘female’. This shows inherent bias
in the search results.
AI model for face recognition identifies a person as a criminal incorrectly – this will lead to a loss of that
person’s reputation and false criminal charges against the person

Pillars of Ethical AI:

AI Systems should be built such that they are fair and inclusive for all. Impartial behavior of AI model
without any discrimination should be our goal. Unfair models can create improper outcomes, for
example, the AI model for face recognition identifies a person as a criminal incorrectly – this will lead to
a loss of that person’s reputation and false criminal charges against the person. Unfair models can injure
people, damage reputations and become legal liabilities. The consequences of biased AI systems could be
an injustice at a large scale.
AI models are highly susceptible to all sorts of attacks, including many based on adversarial AI
methods. In these methods, adversaries exploit AI models for potential gain, in most cases, by predicting
the decisions machine learning models will make and then manipulating subsequent sets of data to
produce the attacker’s desired outcomes—rather than the correct decisions.
When AI systems are to be built using sensitive data, we need to consider the privacy implications in
using it. Legal & regulatory requirements, social norms and individual expectations should be obeyed. If
AI models remember or can reveal the sensitive data that they have used, rules should be put in place to
ensure that the data is safe. The possibility that AI models reveal data can be decreased by applying
various techniques.

Recommended actions to ensure ethics in AI:

Chalk out exact goals for ensuring fairness and inclusion so there is no pre-existing bias
Representative datasets should be used
Analyse performance – Real-world scenarios
Identify Potential threats to system and find solutions to face cyber attacks
Learn and stay updated
Handle data responsibly
Limit usage of sensitive data as much as possible.
Obey the laws, standards, privacy principles etc. Provide users with clear notice and give them any
necessary controls over data use. Follow best practices such as encryption (the process of converting
information or data into a code, mainly to prevent unauthorized access).
Masking, Anonymizing and/or aggregating the data (i.e., the process of hiding original data with modified
data, i.e., characters or other data) using some techniques (data scrubbing, etc.). E.g., consider removing
personally identifiable information (PII) like Date of Birth etc
 Implement the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in European Union (EU)
law on data protection and privacy for all individuals within the EU and the European Economic Area
(EEA). It requires companies to protect the privacy of their EU customers. Hence the appropriate
measures must be put in place to prevent privacy breaches

There is no one size fits all approach to privacy protection. In real-world, we must iterate to find an approach
that balances privacy and utility for the task we need to work on to make use maximum benefits from AI for the
progress of Human kind.

ETHICS IN MEDIA

Media refers to communication channels through which we disseminate news, music, movies, education,
promotional messages and other data. Media from the value development point of view, they are the most
important medium through which we get influenced our biases. The role of the mass media in influencing
the values is becoming increasingly very high.
Examples:
The recent TRP scam case one of television media resorted to fake TRP ratings by bribing subscribers
Journalist crime investigation in the actress suicide case.

These are all few examples where values and ethics degrading in media houses and journalism.

Media’s Positive role in shaping our

Negative role
values
· Sensationlisation of News articles covering
· Eradicating stereotypes only partial news poses risk to objectivity
and impartiality
· Telecasting some of the inspiring stories
across the world · Media trial

· High coverage of some of social issues · Fake news

prevailed in the society
· Media trails in criminal cases
· Example: Swachh Bharath Abhiyan
· Hatred and social disharmony by
· Supporting some of the pro people’s telecasting socially disturbed news
movements
· Obscene and violent content
· Example: RTI movement
· Paid news

Role of Media in fighting against Corruption:

A free media has a crucial role in the prevention, monitoring and control of corruption. Such media
can inform and educate the public on corruption, expose corruption in government, private sector and
civil society organizations and help monitor codes of conduct while policing itself against corruption.
Investigative reporting by media or reporting of instances of corruption as they occur can be a significant
source of information on corruption.
 Daily reporting of instances of corruption as they occur is another type of contribution. Timely action
should be taken by the authorities to immediately respond to such reports and to take steps to bring the
culprits to book and to keep the press and the public informed from time to time of the progress of such
action.
It has been observed that sometimes under pressure of competition, the media does not verify
allegations and information before putting them in the public domain. Occasionally, such
allegations/complaints are motivated. It is necessary to evolve norms and practices that all
allegations/complaints would be duly screened, and the person against whom such allegations are made is
given a fair chance to put forth his version.
Therefore, the second ARC opined that since the electronic media plays a role as important as the one
played by the print media, there is need to have a code for the electronic media covering different aspects
of its functioning.

Recommendations:

It is necessary to evolve norms and practices requiring proper screening of all allegations/complaints by
the media, and taking action to put them in the public domain
The electronic media should evolve a Code of Conduct and a self-regulating mechanism in order to
adhere to a Code of Conduct as a safeguard against malafide action.
Government agencies can help the media in the fight against corruption by disclosing details about
corruption cases regularly

The media has played an important role in positive developments like the fight against racism, gender bias,
unemployment, poverty and spreading awareness about the need for world peace. That’s why media called
fourth pillar of democracy.

ETHICS IN JOURNALISM

Journalistic ethics are basically a set of principles, standards, guidelines and code of conduct prepared for
professional journalists. It deals with conduct, character and behaviour of a journalist and how s/he works
before, during and after the news gathering and dissemination.

Since the days of ‘Yellow Journalism’ many leading newspapers were partisan, biased, sensational,
intrusive, propagandists, manipulating and distorting the facts, passing off rumours as news. Since quality
of information directly reflects the health of a democracy.
Examples: Vernacular press act during British Raj to supress Indian newspapers who supported national
independence
Such biased, partisan, manipulated media, slowly a concerted campaign started to bring in ethics and
principles with a set of guidelines and code of conduct for news media and journalists. In the US, for the
first time, in 1922, the American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) adopted a set of ethical principles.
It proposed six key principle:
Responsibility
Freedom of the Press
Independence
Truth and Accuracy
 Impartiality and Fair Play.
Another landmark intervention came in 1940s when Hutchins Commission in the US articulated in its
report the principle of Social Responsibility of the Press. The Commission reiterated that while the
freedom of press is paramount, it also has a moral obligation to consider the well-being of the general
public when making its decisions and choices.

Why it is Important ethics in Journalism?

Journalism plays a crucial role of keeping the citizens informed about the issues and ideas of public
interest.
Journalism must be socially responsible, serve the people with devotion, and educate them while
avoiding sensationalism, distortion and manipulation of facts.
As the fourth estate of democracy, free and vibrant news media is treated as a key parameter for the
success of a democracy.
Journalism with such so much influence and power comes with great responsibility. Therefore, news
media must follow the principles and norms of journalism and be transparent and accountable.

Principles of Journalist Ethics:

Should be non-biased and non-Sensetionlisation

It is expected from the news media outlets and its professional journalists to not only strictly follow these
principles and norms but to also self-regulate in alignment with them.
There should be code of conduct for journalists. Though its voluntary in nature but it should be followed
with utmost respect
Do not get influenced by powerful corporate lobby to influence govt decisions against public interest
There is always public good as first motto
To become the voice to voiceless
Ideas like objectivity, fairness, truth, accuracy, impartiality and independence.
In a democracy everyone is accountable to the people, and so is the media. The Indian media must develop
a sense of responsibility and maturity.

In India, the Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory and quasi-judicial body functions as a “watchdog of the
press, for the press and by the press. Similarly, NGO the News Broadcasting Standard Authority (NBSA)
oversees the news channels.

Case study: Fall of Media Mogul

Not long ago even the incredibly influential Media Mogul, Rupert Murdoch, was forced to shut the publication
of his 168-year-old tabloid, ‘News of the World’, in the UK after it was found regularly indulging in gross
violation of ethical norms and standards and even breaching the law.

Therefore, there is a need for serious introspection from news media outlets and the journalists’ community to
take steps to minimise the flouting of ethical norms, and to improve the quality and standards of the news media
in India. In this context, professional bodies like the Editors Guild of India, NBA, PCI etc. can take lead and
initiate debate and discussion and propose remedial measures.
BUSINESS ETHICS & CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Business Ethics is defined as “the application of ethical values to business behaviour”.

What is Ethical & Unethical in Business:

Profit is ethical but sole motive of profit is unethical

Capitalism is ethical but crony capitalism is unethical
Going against public good is unethical
Organisations can be compliant to internal processes and fulfil all statutory laws yet be unethical.
Promoting alcohol consumption is banned on national television. If a company advertises an alternative
product with the same brand name, it is indirectly trying to increase brand recall to the intended product.
Legally, the company is not flouting any law. However, the practice is clearly unethical.
Harmful cosmetics without providing harmful chemicals in it.
Advertising about fairness creams that promotes colourism
Threat to conservation is unethical

Ethical Framework for Corporates:

A strong ethics framework is required to drive the culture of ethics across the board. The elements for such a
framework include:

Ethics programme with the continued support of middle and lower-level teams.
An ongoing dialogue across levels to address tough questions that may arise during the business ethics
journey.
A two-way communication process, cutting across levels, to foster an environment of openness and trust.

Corporate Governance:

Fair & transparent business

Corporate governance framework should protect and facilitate the exercise of shareholders’ rights and
ensure the equitable treatment of all shareholders, including minority and foreign shareholders.
Ensure that timely and accurate disclosure is made on all material matters
Integrity should be a fundamental requirement in choosing corporate officers and board members.
Protection to Corporate whistle-blowers

Code of Conduct for Business:

It specifies the general principles of behaviour which employees and other stakeholders are expected to
follow.
It is a mix of rules to be adhered and aspirations towards which the organisation seeks to evolve.
Top leadership acts as a role models, senior managers should practise principles of ethics in their day-to-
day dealings.
To deal with ethical dilemmas an effective training programme should be organised on how to deal
ethical dilemmas
Integrity at two levels: the hiring process and every performance appraisal cycle.
 Building a team of Ethics Counsellors is often seen as a good practice.
Unethical behaviour demands prompt action. Gifts and Hospitality While it may be customary to
exchange gifts/ offer hospitality as part of cultural practices, such exchanges sometimes mask the act of
bribery or corruption. Hence organization must delve into decide the nature of gifts.
Employees and stakeholders must be encouraged to speak up against any suspected or known situations or
persons where the Code has been compromised and report the dilemmas faced.

ADMINISTRATIVE ETHICS

Administrative ethics are “The values and morals should be followed by a bureaucrat during his public
duty”. We will study about Administrative ethics in detail in various chapters. In brief they are:

Integrity
Honesty
Strict adherence to code of conduct
Respecting rules and regulations
Showing empathy and compassion towards downtrodden people
Non-discrimination
Ensuring good governance

PERSONAL Vs PROFESSIONAL ETHICS:

Professional Ethics Personal Ethics

It is a Code of Conduct imposed by an organisation
It is a Code conduct and personal values which governs
on its employee to expect some kind of desired
one’s individual personal life
behaviour.
Learns relatively later in life when she joins any Learns from Childhood through Family, Society,
work force Education system and Religion
Acts according to the Laws or rules or customs of an
Acts according to her own Conscience
Organisation where she works
Duty Bounded and Very strict Code of conduct at
Value Bounded and Freedom to do what she believes.
work place.
Examples: Integrity, Punctuality, Time Management,
Examples: Kindness, Truthful, Honesty, Empathy,
Accountability, Transparency, Confidentiality, Loyal
Service oriented etc
to the organisation etc.

ETHICS IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC RELATIONSHIPS

Ethical values has a wide-ranging impact on individuals. But it vary from situation to situation with time and
space and it also different from public to private relationships.
Private Relationships Public Relationships
It is between the people that we externally connected
It is between the people we personally connected out of personal space like community, Colleagues at
office, govt-citizen
Relations build in a closed space called Family,
Builds at office, society, community.
friends, spouse.
Based on personal values, morality and family values Based on societal and personal norms
Not codified generally Generally Codified
Violation generally goes unpunished but can have Legal, social, professional and such implications if
social consequence e.g. Loss of reputation in society norms are violated
Temporary in nature in the form of transfers, moving
Relations here permanent in nature
different company
There is no limit to express our emotions here. For There should be a desirable way of emotion
example, we can get anger on between family expression. Example, there is a limit to express our
members anger on subordinates
There are expectations between closely connected There won’t be any expectations between members of
people the public life
Regulated by emotional bonding Regulated by rules, regulations, laws
Get punished by parents if we hurt others or apology
Penal provisions there for wrong doings
in words
No partiality and no discrimination unless specifically
Partiality between members can be shown
made by law.
Ethics For Private Relationship: Love and care, Ethics For Public Relationship: Openness, Honesty
Confidentiality, Truthfulness, Responsibility, and integrity, Respect, Rule of law, Equality and
Perseverance uniformity, Accountability.

Reasons for such separation:

Although all citizens are subject to the laws of the land, in the case of public servants there must be
standards of behaviour more stringent than those for an ordinary citizen.
Personal emotions always mix of emotions. Such mixed emotions brings undesirable consequences in the
administration
There should be a conflict between public action and private interest.
High Emotional intelligence required for those who serve in public life.
Keeping public and private relationships separate helps in preventing conflicts of interest.
Society tends to judge people separately in their public and private sphere, and hence it’s better to keep
them separate.

Common ethics for Public and private relationship:

Honesty: Both kinds of relationships expect truthful behaviour without which there is loss of trust and
confidence.
Interpersonal factors: Both relationships are not mechanical but involve interpersonal behaviour.
Therefore, both require individuals to have basic sensitivity, empathy, care etc. so that both parties
understand each other better.
Accountability: We are held responsible for our behaviour in both relationships. We must answer and
account for our actions to maintain trust and confidence.
Compassion: Helping others is a good deed which is desirable in both public and private relationships.
ETHICS IN PRIVATE LIFE & PUBLIC LIFE

ETHICS IN PRIVATE LIFE

Private life integrated with family members, life partner, friends, colleagues etc. These kinds of
relationships based on emotional attachments, personal bonding with them rather than simply a formal
mechanism. Our habits, our lifestyle, our behaviour in society all gets influenced by a people we are
personally attached to them.
Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharat a classic example of ethics in private relationships. Either they are
good side or bad side they will reflect in our actions. Here Ethics in private life lays the foundation for
ethics in public life.
Self-Morality – Ethics in private life starts with self-morality. Just mere having good values not enough
they should put into practice and before you preach.

Examples:

Once an old lady brought his son to Gandhiji to preach him stop eating sugar. But didn’t say anything that
moment and asked that lady come back after one month. In this gap Gandhiji practiced stop eating sugar
because he has same habit. After one month he said that young boy not to eat sugar.
Satya Harischandra always speaks truth

Family:

Family is the first foundation where ethical values seeds into one’s own mind. Interaction with parents and
the instruments adopted by them shapes children behaviour. If a family encourages and supports you in
times of crisis then you can take any hard decision which is ethically correct.
A person’s ethical orientation towards others is determined to a large extent by his/her spouse.
Also, parent is the first friend and guide to a child. They teach him not to be greedy, kind towards others,
be empathetic. It will helpful in shaping child’s intellectual ability and cognitive skills.

Friends:

Role of friends play in moulding one’s personality. One famous quote says “Our friend circle tells our
character “

Examples:

Though Karna individually Ethical and having greater war skills than Arjuna but his decision to fight along with
Kauravas’s side makes him unpopular which led to his death in Kurukshetra. It’s just because he promised his
friend Duryodhana to help in the war.

ETHICS IN PUBLIC LIFE:

Public life also refers to collection of a person’s relationships, interactions and dealings with the society at large.
Every Individual’s interaction with his/her surrounding environment. He should adhere certain moral values
while behaving in society.

Though he has freedom to roam and live anywhere but on certain conditions like health his freedom of
expression may be curtailed
Social responsibility
Help towards others as a Good samaritan

Importance of Ethics in Public life:

Ethics in public life are the ends to achieve any ethical principles such as responsibility and accountability.
In democracy, every holder of public office is accountable to the people. Such accountability is enforced
through a system of laws and rules. Ethics in public life provides the basis for the creation of such laws
and rules.
It is the moral ideas of people that give rise to and shapes the character of laws and rules.
It strengthens the trusteeship relationship between the public and the officials.

Dimensions of Ethics in Public life:

The role of ethics in public life has many dimensions. At one end is the expression of high moral values
and at the other end, public functionary can be held legally accountable for his actions while performing
duty.
Any framework of ethical behaviour must include the following elements:
Codifying ethical norms and practices.
Disclosing personal interest to avoid conflict between public interest and personal gain.
Creating a mechanism for enforcing the relevant codes.
Suitable mechanism for incentivizing ethical behaviour.
Providing norms for qualifying and disqualifying a public functionary from office.
Accountability mechanism in place.

A system of laws and rules, however elaborate, cannot provide for all situations. It is highly desirable, to govern
the conduct of those who occupy positions in the lower hierarchy where they don’t have any discretion. But the
higher officials in public service, the greater is the ambit of discretion. And it is difficult to provide for a system
of laws and rules that can comprehensively cover and regulate the exercise of discretion in high places.

VALUES IN PUBLIC RELATIONSHIP:

One of the most comprehensive statements of what constitutes ethical standards for holders of public office
came from the Committee on Standards in Public Life in the United Kingdom, popularly known as the Nolan
Committee, which outlined the following seven principles of public life:

Selflessness: Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of public interest. They should
not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
Integrity: Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to
outside individuals or organizations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.
 Objectivity: In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts
or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on
merit.
Accountability: Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and
must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness: Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions they
take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public
interest clearly demands.
Honesty: Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public
duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership: Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership.

These principles of public life are of general applicability in every democracy. Arising out of such ethical
principles a set of guidelines of public behaviour in the nature of a code of conduct becomes essential for public
functionaries. Indeed, any person who is privileged to guide the destiny of the people must not only be ethical
but must be seen to practice these ethical values.

CODE OF CONDUCT & CODE OF ETHICS IN PUBLIC LIFE:

Although all citizens are subject to the laws of the land, in the case of public servants there must be standards of
behaviour more stringent than those for an ordinary citizen. It is at the interface of public action and private
interest that the need arises for establishing not just a code of ethics but a code of conduct.

A code of ethics would cover broad guiding principles of good behaviour and governance
Code of conduct should, in a precise and unambiguous manner, stipulate a list of acceptable and
unacceptable behaviour and action.

Examples:

Following social distance and wearing mask during covid-19 pandemic. As a responsible citizen to not get
infected and wastage of national resources.
Flushing after toilet in public toilets
Throwing dust only in dustbin
If you face an incidence of someone who met with an accident and joining in a hospital
Social awareness
Patriotism and service to the nation in times of need

Ethics in Private life Ethics in Public life

More about welfare of family members and friends Welfare of society
Guided by personal morality Guided by social values
There should be partiality shown towards members
Non-discrimination and impartiality
of private life
Ethics in private life laid foundation for ethics in Private life ethics will be first step towards achieving
public life ethics in public life
Can be enforceable informally Can be enforceable legally
ETHICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION:

Currently, the concept of ethics has extended itself to involve all major areas of human existence. There are
certain prominent aspects of ethics in public administration. These are summarized as following maxims:

Maxim of Legality and Rationality:​​An administrator will follow the law and rules that are framed to
govern and guide various categories of policies and decisions.
Maxim of Responsibility and Accountability:​An administrator would not hesitate to accept
responsibility for his decision and actions. He would hold himself morally responsible for his actions and
for the use of his discretion while making decisions.
Maxim of Work Commitment:​An administrator would be committed to his duties and perform his work
with involvement, intelligence and dexterity.
Maxim of Excellence:​A bureaucrat would ensure the highest standards of quality in administrative
decisions and action and would not compromise with standards because of convenience or complacency.
Maxim of Fusion:​An administrator would reasonably bring about a combination of individual,
organisational and social goals to help evolve agreement of ideals and imbibe in his behaviour a
commitment to such a fusion.
Maxim of Responsiveness and Resilience​:​An administrator would respond successfully to the demands
and challenges from the external as well as internal environment. He would adapt to environmental
transformation and yet sustain the ethical norms of conduct.
Maxim of Utilitarianism:​​While devising and implementing policies and decisions, an administrator will
certify that these lead to the greatest good (happiness, benefits) of the greatest number.
Maxim of Compassion:​An administrator, without violating the prescribed laws and rules, would
establish compassion for the poor, the disabled and the weak while using his discretion in making
decisions.
Maxim of National Interest:​Though universalistic in orientation and liberal in outlook, a civil servant,
while performing his duties, would keep in view the impact of his action on his nation’s strength and
prestige.
Maxim of Justice:​​Executives who are responsible for formulation and execution of policies and
decisions of governance would ensure that respect is shown to the principles of equality, equity, fairness,
impartiality and objectivity and no special favours are given on the criteria of status, position, power,
gender, class, caste or wealth.
Maxim of Transparency:​An administrator will make decisions and implement them in a transparent
manner so that those affected by the decisions and those who wish to evaluate their rationale, will be able
to understand the reasons behind such decisions and the sources of information on which these decisions
were made.
Maxim of Integrity:​An administrator would accept an administrative action on the basis of honesty and
not use his power, position and discretion to serve his personal interest and the illegitimate interests of
other individuals or groups.

Human Values- Lessons from Lives of Great Leaders, Administrators & Reformers

Leader – leadership is the exercise of high-level conceptual skills and decisiveness. It is envisioning
mission, developing strategy, inspiring people, and changing culture.
Reformer – A reformer is a person who wants to improve the prevailing conditions in society by bringing
about reforms in any area of human activity. e.g. politics, social customs and religion. E.g. Social
reformer, religious reformer, political reformer.
Administrator is one who is responsible for carrying out administration – a process of working with and
through others to accomplish the agreed goals efficiently.
Common Values: Leader, Administrator and Reformer

Attitude to serve the people,

Uplifting the downtrodden,
Impartiality and integrity,
Benevolence and compassion
Tolerance

Lessons from the Lives of Lessons from the Lives of Lessons from the lives of
Great Administrators Great Leaders Great Reformers
Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham
Verghese Kurien, M. S. Lincoln, Martin Luther King Mahatma Gandhi, Raja Ram
Swaminathan, Sam Pitroda, Jr, Nielson Mandela, Nehru,
mohan Roy, Kabir,
E. Sreedharan, V.P, Menon, etc.
Vivekananda etc.
T. N Sheshan, etc.

· Integrity
· Love for Justice
· Non-discrimination
· Respect for Humanity
· Selflessness
· Discipline
· Dignity for all
· Respect for Humanity
· Citizenly-duty
Dignity for all · Humanism
· Social Equality
· Loving and caring · Reason and Inquiry for
· Lawfulness behaviour seeking the truth Kindness
and compassion
· Sense of ethical · Peace loving
accountability · Contentment Social
· Non-violence
Equality
· Loyalty
· Benevolence Compassion
· Courage

· Solidarity and respect

Let’s have a quick look at the lessons from the lives of eminent persons. We shall deal with each of them in
detail in the coming chapter:

Personalities What they Valued

Mahatma Gandhi Simplicity, Minimalism, Satyagraha, Sarvodaya, Secularism,
Ahimsa, Non-Violence, Truth, Forgiveness, Self-Sufficiency,
Dignity of labour etc.
Jawaharlal Nehru Democracy, institution building, consensus building, socialism,
secularism, self-determination, internationalism etc
 Service, dignity, self-belief, equality of the human race, freedom,
Nelson Mandela
fairness, justice, etc
Humanism, equality of the human race, integrity, idealism,
Abraham Lincoln
honesty, freedom etc.
Martin Luther
Self-belief, equality of the human race etc
King Jr
Raja Rammohan Social equality, equality of the human race, women empowerment,
Roy scientific thinking etc
Swami
Self-belief, equality of the human race, patriotism, compassion etc
Vivekananda
Self-belief, equality of the human race, radical thinking,
B R Ambedkar
compassion etc
Compassion, altruism, helpfulness, kindness, cleanliness,
Mother Teresa
determination.
Self-belief, co-operative societies, entrepreneurship, innovation,
Verghese Kurien
farmer welfare etc.
E. Sreedharan Punctuality, self-belief, integrity, high-quality standards etc.
Sustainable development, green revolution, poverty alleviation,
M .S. Swaminathan
farmer welfare etc.

ROLE OF FAMILY, SOCIETY AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN

INCULCATING ETHICAL VALUES

Importance of Value inculcation:

Values are a certain principle possessed by an individual which guide them towards desirable behaviour. They
are either moral, immoral and amoral but inculcating moral values very much important. They are important
because:

Inculcates ethical behaviour like honest, service towards nation, kindness towards poor
They make an individual bold and strong. They will have lifelong impact on our lives. For example,
Hunger strike unto death by Shri Potti Sriramulu to achieve separate Telugu state.
They socialise an individual. Example, gender sensitisation, equality
Acts as an anchor to exhibit certain way of behaviour where society accepted
They shapes our personality
Inculcating values in early age will have long lasting effect. So, we can make good citizens in future
through moral values.

Process of Value Inculcation

Lawrence Kohlberg developed six stages of moral education among the people. He proposed three levels and
six steps to inculcate values.
 At the preconventional level, morality is externally
controlled. Rules imposed by authority figures are conformed
to in order to avoid punishment or receive rewards. This
perspective involves the idea that what is right is, what is
personally satisfying. Level 1 has two stages:
Level 1:
Preconventional level · Stage1: Punishment or obedience orientation- Behaviour is
(Child stage) determined by consequences. The individual will obey in
order to avoid punishment.

· Stage 2: Instrumental purpose – Behaviour is determined

again by consequences. The individual focuses on receiving
rewards or satisfying personal needs.
At the conventional level, conformity to social rules remains
important to the individual. However, the emphasis shifts
from self-interest to relationships with other people and social
systems. The individual strives to support rules that are set
forth by others such as parents, peers, and the government in
order to win their approval or to maintain social order.

· Stage 3: Good boy/girl orientation: Behaviour is

Level 2: Conventional determined by social approval. The individual wants to
level (Teenage stage) maintain or win the affection and approval of others by being
a “good person.”

· Stage 4: Law and order: Social rules and laws determine

behaviour. The individual now takes into consideration a
larger perspective, that of societal laws. Moral decision
making becomes more than consideration of close ties to
others. The individual believes that rules and laws maintain
social order that is worth preserving.
Level 3: Post At the postconventional level, the individual moves beyond
conventional or the perspective of his or her own society. Morality is defined
principled level in terms of abstract principles and values that apply to all
(Maturity stage) situations and societies. The individual attempts to take the
perspective of all individuals.

· Stage 5: Social contract orientation– Individual rights

determine behaviour. The individual views laws and rules as
flexible tools for improving human purposes. That is, given
the right situation, there are exceptions to rules. When laws
are not consistent with individual rights and the interests of
the majority, they do not bring about good for people and
alternatives should be considered.

· Stage 6: Universal ethical principles– According to

Kohlberg, this is the highest stage of functioning. However,
he claimed that some individuals will never reach this level.
At this stage, the appropriate action is determined by one’s
self-chosen ethical principles of conscience. These principles
are abstract and universal in application. This type of
reasoning involves taking the perspective of every person or
group that could potentially be affected by the decision.
 · Examples: Gandhiji, Raja Rammohan Roy, Martin Luther
king JR, Rosa parks who was unwilling to stand her from bus
seat causes civil rights movement – All are examples for last
level who driven individual morality than societal conditions

Sources of Values

At an early age of children, we can mould like, clay pot, good desired behaviour by inculcating moral values.
The various sources where values inculcate are:

Family
Society
Education

ROLE OF FAMILY IN VALUE INCULCATION

Family is a social institution where we will spend our half of life together with family members. During
formative years of his/her age our behaviour gets it shapes where our family values and morals have an impact
on it. These formative years shapes personality development. Being ethical or not is nothing but a part of
personality and this, family plays a critical role in determining ethics in human action.

How Family Imparts Values?

Parents as role models: For anyone the first person who has influence is either father or mother. And
also, grandparents bed time stories guides us what is right and wrong through moral stories from
Panchatantra, religious books, moral books etc.
Examples:
I, myself learnt discipline from my father and being hygiene and cleanliness from my mother
Thomas Alva Edison can able to study at home when his school kicked off from school and became great
scientist only because of his mother.
If elders taught us about king treated equally in his kingdom, such perception develops a positive thought
in children mindset where they treat everyone equal in the society.
Respect towards others and Lower sections of people: Respecting elders and mingling with
downtrodden sections of people by family members creates positive attitudes towards lower sections of
people. Then he/she will treat everyone equal and develops a habit of empathy towards lower section kids
which makes him soft hearted personality.
Charity: If parents are doing charity work children too develops such habit ff donating. This instils
kindness in children.
Examples:
Manipuri 6yrs old boy and Bengaluru 6yrs old girl donated all their savings to PM CARES fund during
lockdown
In Chennai, A saloon shop owner, on request of his daughter he spends all his savings saved for his
daughter education spent on poor people who were suffering with basic necessities. Even she, Netra 13,
appointed as UN good will ambassador to the poor.
Pampering or Punishment: Pampering makes parents eyes and ears blind and deaf when their children
do wrong things. Parents should be in a position to make them realise their wrong acts. Even harsh
punishments results counter results. Therefore, counsel them and treat them like friends so they won’t
afraid to share their thoughts with parents. Hence, in order to inculcate good values parents should not
pamper the kid but limited freedom to be expected.
 Examples:
Instagram Boyz locker room – All the members of this group including admin who created this group on
Instagram having age group below 15 where they are discussing sexual comments against their class girls
Nirbhaya case in 2012 – A juvenile involved in such heinous crime
Dignity of Labour: Children should adopt doing their own work that is self-help. This instil a kind of
dignity of labour and respect towards the daily wage workers. Parents should teach them how it’s
important to self-help.
Examples:
In India we feel that cleaning our own toilets is not our duty, its someone’s else comes and cleans our
toilets. India should adopt from western societies where they feel it’s embarrassing when someone clean
their toilets. It should start with elders, starts cleaning our own washrooms. This kind of attitude creates an
egalitarian society.
Open defecation is very much prevailed even today. Children should start teach parents that open
defection is not good practise.
Observational learning: Children observe what happens at home and begin to see such behaviour as
normal and morally correct. This is a basic process of attitude formation. For example, children who
witness domestic violence and gender discrimination at their home themselves develop similar vices and
fail to develop values of gender equality.
Joint family: The joint family structure stands for certain values like tolerance, cooperation, sacrifice,
care etc. Living in a joint family and its healthy functioning imparts these values to the children.
Traditions and customs: Families follow certain practices as a norm which are always adhered to by the
children. Traditions themselves become a value for children due to regular and repetitive behaviour.

Strengths In Role Of Family In Value Inculcation:

First stage of moral education start from family so it acts as bedrock in shaping one’s ethical personality
Family as permanent source of ethics and value. There is no brokage of relationships here.
Family consists of all kinds diverse people, elders, youngsters, women, men, children, adults. Therefore,
there is chance to learn diverse views and opinions.
Family is the first place of creating trust
Family is the first place where self-confidence develops
Family punishes and rewards for bad behavior. Therefore, it’s a fist place learn both good and bad.

Problems In The Role Of Family

Anti-Social– Family as studied as a first place to learn values; hence it can be as a first place where we
can become anti-social by adopting various means which is not acceptable to society
Harsh Means- Sometimes parents adopts harsh and regressive measures to bring desired behaviour, this
creates a sense of fear and erodes a self confidence among the children.
Outsourcing Parental care– Parents more time spend with children; they get to know about their
children. If parents get busy with their work and outsourcing children care it will bring negative
consequences
Grandparents care– Children also need grandparents cares and their bed time stories so keeping them
children away from elders may leaving a good chance to learn values
Patriarchy vs Gender equality, bribing vs Honesty – Children should not confuse between those two
values families’ certain kind of behaviour. They should practice what they preach.

ROLE OF SOCIETY IN VALUE INCULCATION:

 Ethics are set of standards which are acceptable to the society. Therefore, it’s the society is the main pillar
where ethical values mould their shape.
History of human civilisation divided into two phases
Pre-Industrial society
Post Industrial revolution society

Nature of society Pre-Industrial Society Post Industrial Revolution society

Joint family; Children here opportunity
Family System Nuclear Families
to learn from grand parents
Economy Sharing & Caring Business and profits
Techno- Economic advancement gave
Role of Money Money didn’t play much important role
importance to money
Village based society and not Urban based society and became
Society materialistic societies, Peaceful and no materialistic, more violent society and
communal clashes communal clashes
In Human relations and family
Ways to happiness Momentary pleasures
members
Education mainly focussed on marks and
Value based Education which consist of
Education grades and how to earn money instead of
Morals and Ethics
how to earn ethical assets
Plays, dramas picked up from Movies, Erotic content, Violent reality
Form of Entertainment
Ramayana and Mahabharata shows for ratings (WWE)
Technology running human kind now. We
Technology did not enter into personal are running on computer simulation
Role of Technology
lives of people where mobile and gadgets part of our
lives.
Exploitation of nature; Pollution and
Living in harmony with nature and
Environment taking away tribal and forest inhabitant
Sacred groves
rights

Capitalistic Society: Ethics Vs Capitalism

Emergence of Capitalism gives maximum importance to capital intensive machinery or technology.

Objective is to maximise profits. Capitalism strengthened Physical, Financial and Huma infrastructure in
the society but the most important Ethical Infrastructure it ignored.
Adam smith to be considered as father of capitalism. He gave moral boost to Capitalism laid foundation
for ethical capitalism. His concept of Invisible hand creates demand and in turn it promotes growth. But
over a period of time profits and business takes place and started exploiting ethical infrastructure. In place
of capitalism crony capitalism adopting.

Human relations in the capitalistic society:

Human relations became materialistic

Joint family became nuclear family
Breakdown of marriage system and high rate of divorce
Growing child care homes and old age homes where elders don’t have time for their children and age-old
parents
ROLE OF EDUCATION IN VALUE INCULCATION:

Education defined as ‘adjustment ability to a changing situation and environment’. Education should
be a means to empower children and adults alike to become active participants in the transformation of
their societies. Education means a change in man’s conduct of life. It means the upgrading of a man’s
ability to choose the best alternative available in any circumstances he faces. It means the development of
the person to prepare him to adopt the best approach to a problem at any given time.
Learning should also focus on the values, attitudes and behaviours which enable individuals to learn to
live together in a world characterized by diversity and pluralism. Education therefore has a crucial long-
term role in developing a knowledge and understanding of human rights, the values base they
represent and the skills required to strengthen a democratic culture.

Purpose of Education:

The purpose of educationis to educate individuals within society, to prepare and qualify them for work for
an economy as well as to integrate people into society and teach them values and morals of the society.
Role of educationis means of socializing individuals and to keep society smoothing and remain stable.
After the family a person spends most of his/her life with educational institutions starting from school.
Even after schooling during graduation and post-graduation education helps to develop ethical behaviour
in the students.

Role of Educational Institutions:

Producing new generation that enable in solving the real problems in our society.
Community service is another area that can help in cultivating and instilling the sense of national identity.
It includes the activity that stressed about tolerance and harmony value regardless religion and race aspect.
Youths’ development toward a positive sense of ethnic identity.
It can give them an opportunity to interact in others from various backgrounds.
Produces leaders and develops leadership qualities.

Problems In Today’s Education System

Today’s Modern education deals only knowledge-based education but not value based education.
Educational institutions running after marks and trophies but there are no specific chapters on ethics or
how to be happy in the curriculum.
Consequences is that we are producing number of professionals like doctors, engineers or lawyers but not
producing a good human being.
We are creating professional without kind heart but with intelligent mind just like a robot.
We are facing a moral crisis in the education system which leads to suicides among the students those who
are failing at subjects and not in a position to accept failures in life.
Forcing children to take the areas of subjects where parents are interested instead of exploring children’s
creativity.
Even parents too run after the competition with neighbour children’s and relatives.
Measure To Improve Value-Based Education System

There is a need to overhaul the educational system in India. More importance should be given to value-based
education along with rationality and science. We are teaching them how to be successful but not teaching them
how to be happy.

Inculcate discipline and punctuality starting from early days of schooling

Charity habit should inculcate among the students. Example: Coins for the Country Initiative:
Hyderabad based school took an initiative to encourage students to save money at home while reducing
unnecessary expenditure and without borrowing money from anyone. At the end of academic year, saved
money will be used for the betterment of society.
Constitutional values should be part of every level of education curriculum.
Field visits to rural areas and teach how land & farmer inter linked so they will understand the value of
food and stop wasting the food.
Develop scientific temper among the children and it’s a part of school curriculum. Example:
We can adopt Nordic countries education system
Fundamental duties mentioned in the Article 51A of the Indian constitution reads that “to develop
scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform”
Happiness curriculum become part of the school books. So, it helps students not worrying about marks
and grades. Example: Delhi govt’s Happiness curriculum. American first lady visited one of the Delhi
school and interacted with students and enquired how these happy hours to be implemented
Stop giving too much importance to only engineering and medicine. Let’s encourage students to explore
various areas of subjects. Example: New Education Policy 2020 has such provisions. It should get
implemented in letter& spirit.
Teach students how to accept failures
Education should happen at mother tongue at primary level.

ESSENCE OF HUMAN LIFE

Birth and Death not in our hands so the essence of human life is to remain happy forever. Happiness should be
our ultimate objective.

What is Happiness?

It’s a state of mental and emotional stage with positive and pleasurable feeling with intense joy. For an
average common man happiness all about securing a good salary job, family, weekend fun, less
uncertainty about future, success in professional career etc.
But that’s not the real happiness, A real happiness should be forever. All human relations are transitory in
nature so they can give us only momentary pleasure and joy.
A real happiness should be:
Permanent
It can’t be taken away from our life that is It should be something internal happiness but not external
happiness
Should not be attached to any material thing.

Why we need to be Happy?

Positive Reasons Negative Reasons
· Disturbed state of mind
· For peace of mind
· Paves the way for allowing other negative
emotions like sad, angry, depression etc
· Happiness is an emotion in which there is
which leads to sudden heart attacks and
no limitations so we can joy utmost
happiness other diseases.

· Our positive state of mind also impacts on · Our productivity levels decrease
others · Failures may welcome into our life
· If we are happy, we can make others · Short life span
happy
· People surrounds us don’t like to stay with
· Helps us in more productive and efficient
us if we are not happy and always sad and
depressed.

How to be Happy forever:

Gratitude: Help selflessly without expecting anything in return.

Don’t complain, be grateful that you have.
We can be really happy only when we do right actions, right conduct
Believing in the philosophy of “Good actions will bring you good fruits” – As you sow, so shall reap
Able to differentiate between goodness and badness.

Bhagavat Gita – Nishkam karma – Act selflessly without expecting anything in return
Buddha – Find an enlightened soul to be happy forever
Veda Vyas – परोपकार: पुण्याय पापाय परपीडनम्
“Doing good to others conduces to merit and doing harm to them leads to Sin”

Even every other religious scripture preaches how to be happy by following only good actions.

Previous Year Questions:

Theme Question Year

Essence of ethics “A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes.” 2019
“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the
Lessons from the lives and
character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in
teachings of great leaders,
the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the 2019
reformers and
nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world” –
administrators
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Dimensions of ethics – What is meant by the term ‘constitutional morality’? How does one 2019
Constitutional ethics uphold constitutional morality?
Ethics in private and public What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of
2019
relationships these with suitable examples.
The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow
Human Values 2017
perception of the good life. Discuss.
The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow
Human Values 2017
perception of the good life. Discuss.
“Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed
Lessons from the lives and
with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the
teachings of great leaders,
principles which direct them.” – Napoleon Bonaparte. Stating 2017
reformers and
examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society and country,
administrators
(ii) who worked for the development of society and country.
“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful
Role of family, society and
minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can
educational institutions in 2017
make a difference. they are father, the mother and the teacher.” Abdul
inculcating values
Kalam. Analyse.
Consequences of Ethics in Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and
obligations, neither the law, nor democratic government, nor even the 2017
human actions.
market economy will function properly. What do you understand by
this statement? Explain with illustration in the contemporary times.
Consequences of Ethics in
Explain how ethics contributes to social and human well-being. 2017
human actions.
“Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed
Lessons from the lives and
with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the
teachings of great leaders,
principles which direct them.” – Napoleon Bonaparte. Stating 2017
reformers and
examples mention the rulers (i) who have harmed society and country,
administrators
(ii) who worked for the development of society and country.
Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are
generally shaped unconsciously by the family and social surroundings
Role of family, society and
in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes
educational institutions in 2016
and values are often undesirable in the citizens of modern democratic
inculcating values and egalitarian society. (a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent
in today’s educated Indians. (b) How can such undesirable attitudes be
changed and socio-ethical values be cultivated in the aspiring and
serving civil servants?
Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling
Essence of ethics 2016
human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social
existence. (a) Discuss how they achieve this objective. (b) Giving
examples, show how the two differ in their approaches
Lessons from the lives and “The weak can never forgive; forgiveness is the attribute of the
teachings of great leaders, strong.”
2015
reformers and
administrators
2015
Determinants of Ethics in We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real
human actions tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
What is meant by ‘environmental ethics’? Why is it important to
Dimensions of ethics –
study? Discuss any one environmental issue from the viewpoint of 2015
Environmental Ethics
environmental ethics.
Essence of ethics Social values are more important than economic values. Discuss the 2015
above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a
 nation.
Differentiate between the following (200 words); a) Law and Ethics;
Essence of ethics +
b) Ethical management and Management of ethics; c) Discrimination 2015
Dimensions of ethics
and Preferential treatment; d) Personal ethics and Professional ethics.
We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against
Role of family, society and 2014
women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the
educational institutions in
number of such incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative
inculcating values
measures to tackle this menace.
Lessons from the lives and Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of
teachings of great leaders, ethical conduct in life? Give the gist of his/her teachings giving
2014
reformers and specific examples, describe how you have been able to apply these
administrators teachings for your own ethical development
The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are
Ethics in private and public the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for
2014
relationships societal well-being? What can you do at the personal level to make
yourself trustworthy?
Lessons from the lives and Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of
teachings of great leaders, ethical conduct in life? Give the gist of his/her teachings giving
2014
reformers and specific examples, describe how you have been able to apply these
administrators teachings for your own ethical development.
Essence, determinants and
All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does
consequences of Ethics in 2014
happiness mean to you? Explain with examples.
human actions
Essence, determinants and What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the
more important in public administration?
consequences of Ethics in 2014
human actions
What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it
Essence of ethics 2013
important to be ethical along with being professionally competent?
Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation,
while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and
Determinants of Ethics 2013
eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due
justification.
There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s
Human Values 2013
greed. Mahatma Gandhi.
Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s
Human Values 2013
character, give him power. —Abraham Lincoln.

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