Essay and Ethics module

UPSC-2024

Paper I-Essay
● The UPSC/APSC mains syllabus does
not have any prescribed syllabus for
the essay paper as such.
● As per the UPSC, “Candidates are
expected to keep closely to the subject of
the essay to arrange their ideas in an
orderly fashion, and to write concisely.
Credit will be given for effective and
exact expression.”
● Candidates are required to write two
essays from a list of given topics for a
combined total of 250 marks.
What will be our approach?
● A lot of essays are asked with
philosophical themes.
● So we will make Ethics(branch of
Philosophy & Social Psychology) our
basis to build Essay paper.
Essay and Ethics module
Rearrangement of the chapters in different parts to
GS Paper IV-Ethics and Integrity make it more logical-

Chapter 1- Ethics and Human Interface Part 1

Chapter 2-Attitude ● Ethics and Human Interface
Chapter 3
Part 2
● Chapter 3a-Aptitude
● Aptitude
● Chapter 3b-Foundational Values for Civil ● Attitude
Service ● Emotional Intelligence
Chapter 4-Emotional Intelligence
Chapter 5-Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Part 3
Philosophers from India and World ● Foundational Values for Civil Service
Chapter 6-Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in ● Public/Civil Service Values
Public Administration ● Probity in Governance
Chapter 7-Probity in Governance
Chapter 8-Case Studies on above issues Part 4
● Case Studies on above issues
Note-Chapter 5 directly is of not much use in Ethics
[Link] will cover Chapter 4 in Essay segment. It will
help in Essay writing and giving some arguments in Ethics
answers to provide gravity to your answers. But direct
questions on philosophers are rarely asked.
Nature of topics can be aligned on the basis of 4 major subjects-

1. Sociology
● Chapter 1- Values, role of society and family and educational
institutions in inculcation of values.
2. Psychology
● Chapter 2- Attitude(social psychology)
● Chapter 3(Part a)- Aptitude
● Chapter 4-Emotional Intelligence
3. Philosophy
● Chapter 5- Philosophers and Thinkers of India and World
4. Public Administration
● Chapter 3(Part b)
● Chapter 6-Ethics in governance
● Chapter 7-Probity in governance
Chapter 8- Case studies on above topics.
All the 4 subjects have ethics as their branch.
Ethics

What it is?
● Ethics refers to standards of right and
wrong.
● It prescribes what humans ought to do.
Points to be kept in mind while studying ethics
● Subjectivity is essence of ethics(what is
ethical for one society may be unethical for
others).
● Believe in cultural relativism.
● Think in terms of continuum- don't think in
terms of Good or Bad but in terms of Good Subjectivity
and Bad. ● Represents
● Have open,balanced, flexible mind. Objectivity information
● Middle path of Buddha or Golden Mean of ● Represents based on
Aristotle. verifiable facts personal choices
or bias
Three types of cultural perspectives

1. Ethnocentrism
● My culture is the best culture. Other cultures are
judged from own cultural perspective.
2. Xenocentrism
● The opposite of ethnocentrism.
● It is the belief that a foreign culture or society is
superior to one's own.
3. Cultural Relativism
● Every culture has its own standpoints mainly
guided by their geography.
● Respecting every culture, finding reasons for its
traits.
● Don’t judge any culture.
● This approach has to be followed while studying
ethics.
● Also while studying ethics we should take approach
of continuum.
Dichotomy v/s Continuum

Dichotomy
● A division or contrast between two
things that are or are represented
as being opposed or entirely
different.
● Thinking in black and white.
Continuum
● A continuous sequence in which
adjacent elements are not
perceptibly different from each Not all actions can be
other, but the extremes are quite plainly categorised as
distinct. Ethical or Unethical.
● Since in ethics we are guided by There are actions which
approach of continuum, thus can be put in between
nothing can be said in objective the two extremes.
manner.
Ethics as a discipline(field of study)

Ethics can be understood -

1. A branch of Philosophy
● It is branch of philosophy that deals with 2
questions-
a. What are purpose of life?
b. Means to achieve that purpose?
2. A social sub system
● Ethics is a social sub system which formulates
the values and norms of conduct for the
individuals of society and attempts to regulate
the behaviour of individuals accordingly.
● This concept is propounded by sociologists
like Talcott Parsons and R.K Merton.
 Philosophy (3 Main Branches)

Epistemology (Theory of Knowledge)

1. Rationalism Metaphysics(search of Ethics
● Reason is the basis of knowledge ultimate reality) ● Deals with 2 main
formation ● Beyond physical world questions-
● Socrates: “Unexamined life is not of sensory 1. Ultimate purpose of
worth living” experience-search of life?
● Plato ultimate reality a. Moksha- Hinduism
2. Empiricism a. God-Theology(Atheists b. Nirvana- Buddhism
● Experience is the basis of raise- ‘Problem of Evil’ c. Christianity-Heaven
knowledge formation for theists)/Kant- 2. Means to achieve the
● Aristotle, Bacon, Locke (Father of Agnosticism- I don't purpose?
Empiricism) and can’t know. a. Buddhism- Ashtangika
● Locke’s idea of Tabula Rasa (blank b. Soul-Psychology Marg
slate) c. Universe-Cosmology b. Hindusin- Gyan
Immanuel Kant(18th century German Marg,Bhakti Marg,
philosopher) Karm Marg
● Known as “the synthesizer”
● Knowledge begins with experience
and is completed with reason
How Sociology defines Ethics?
As per Sociology-
● Society is web of social relationship.
● Society is a large system comprising many subsystems-
a. Economic
b. Political
c. Cultural
d. Religious etc
● There is one more subsystem known as Social control which keeps other subsystems intact.
● Ethics is tool for Social control.
● It imprints the sense of right against wrong in an individual through 2 processes ie Socialization and
Sanction.
a. Socialization
● the process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society
b. Sanctions
● Approval for acceptable conduct and disapproval of a unacceptable conduct to enforce behavioral
standards
As per sociologist Talcott Parson
● Ethics is a tool for Pattern Maintenance
System(Social control) of society.
● Ethics functions mainly through the process of
socialization and sanctions.
How the tools of social control shape our psychology and hence regulate our behaviour?

Personality (2 aspects)
a. Physical
● How a person looks?
→ height, complexion, etc.
→ Superficial aspect
b. Intellectual / Psychological
→ How a person thinks?
→ Stable aspect
● So we can say, what we are very much depends on how we think.
● How we think depends on 2 factors-
1. Id factor
2. Super Ego factor
How the tools of social control shape our psychology and hence regulate our behaviour?

Social Psychology branch of sociology argues-

Socialization and Sanction shapes Superego of a person.
● Super Ego along with Id factor determines
intellectual aspect a person’s personality.
● Different societies have different way of Socialization
and Sanction.
● Thus our Superego varies in both degrees and
nature.
This answers why
a. Ethical standards vary from society to society?
b. And why in same society few individuals tend to act in
more ethical manner than other?
 a. Essence of Ethics in human action

● Essence is the intrinsic quality of

something that determines its
character.
● The essence of ethics refers
intrinsic properties that
characterise an ethical action.
Concept of free will and Ethics
● An action that is not conducted
out of free will can’t be
categorised as ethical or
unethical.
Applying this idea
● In order to be held liable under the
IPC, the accused must possess
both ‘mens rea’ (guilty mind) and
‘actus rea’ (guilty act).
● If a person kills another in an Thus, since digestion, growth, movement of blood in the
accident unintentionally or self veins, etc. are not under the control of our will, they are not
defence, he will not be guilty. spoken of as ethical acts at all.
Fair or Just action

● To understand whether an action

is fair / just or not, a
depersonalised analysis is
required (analysis from the
perspective of a third person).
● This is known as ‘sakshi bhav’ in
Indian philosophy.
Application
● Recusal of judges from a case
e.g. former CJI S.H. Kapadia
recused from a case involving
company Vedanta, since he
owned some shares in the
company.
● Link it with Rawls’ theory of ‘veil
of ignorance’ (Chapter 5)
b. Determinants of Ethics in Human Action

● Determinants of ethics are the factors that

influence and shape an individual's moral
beliefs, values, and character.
● It will depend on nature and strength/degree of
Super Ego of the person(since Id factor is
common in all)
What is Superego?
● The superego is the ethical component of the
personality and provides the moral standards
by which the ego operates.
● The superego aims for perfection.
b. Determinants of Ethics in Human Action

1. Family
● Family is the primary and earliest source of socialization and
inculcation of values.
For example
1. Mahatma Gandhi
● Mahatma Gandhi, known globally for his values of non-violence,
truth, and simplicity, attributed much of his moral foundation to
his family upbringing.
● His mother, Putlibai, was deeply religious and practiced
fasting and prayer regularly. Gandhiji inherited her habits of
self-discipline and compassion.
● His father, Karamchand Gandhi, was a man of principles and
honesty. Gandhi learned from him the importance of integrity in
public life.
2. Malala Yousafzai
● Malala Yousafzai,the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has
consistently credited her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, for
shaping her courage, values, and strong sense of justice.
● Her father was a school teacher and outspoken advocate for
girls’ education in Pakistan.
b. Determinants of Ethics in Human Action

2. Geographical factors
a. Availability of resources
● If agricultural resources are in abundance then there is a greater
possibility of vegetarianism in the society.
● Tribal communities are concerned about forest conservation
because they heavily depend on forest resources for their survival.
b. Climate
● Alcoholism is acceptable in countries with cold climatic conditions.
● While it is considered immoral in areas with hot climatic conditions.
3. Demographic Factors
a. Population
● Densely populated like India- Value:Hard Work, Competition etc
● Sparsely populated- Value: Creativity
b. Sex ratio
● Skewed in favour of women- Polygamy
● Skewed in favour of men- Polyandry
● Balanced- Monogamy
b. Determinants of Ethics in Human Action

4. Episodic events
● Kalinga war made Ashoka, Dhamma ghosha
(conqueror of heart) from Bherighosha (conqueror of
land).
● Gandhiji’s transformation towards truth after witnessing
play Harishchandra. "Education is not preparation for life,
● Angulimal transformation into a saint after interaction Education is itself life."
with Buddha. — John Dewey (American Sociologist)
5. Education System ● The quote highlights that education
● Scientific learning develops rational thinking and builds has not just instrumental value, but
a modern personality. also intrinsic value.
● Conservative / orthodox learning leads to a rigid and
reactionary personality. "The philosophy of school room in one
● Thus Assam govt decided to provincialise Sanskrit Tols generation will be the philosophy of the
and Madrasas. government in next generation."
● NEP 2020 | Fundamental duty (Art. 51A) → emphasise — Abraham Lincoln
on inculcating scientific temper.
● Hitler redesigned curriculum to generate feeling of “ Destiny of India is shaped in India’s
racial supremacy and communal hatredness. classroom”
Kothari Commission(1964-66)
b. Determinants of Ethics in Human Action

6. Governance
● Ethical governance promotes
a. Build public trust
● Absence of ethical cloud builds public trust.
● Public trust promotes participative governance that leads to
ethical governance.
b. Promotes compliance with law
● e.g. Tax evasion problem
● Economic Survey 2018 said tax evasion is a major problem in
India because people treat tax as tribute. This is due to
scepticism in common public due to high corruption.
c. Strengthen identity as a citizen vis-a-vis identity as a member “It is the duty of government to
of a particular community make it difficult for people to do
● Problems of communal tensions, destruction of public property, wrong, easy to do right.”
free rider issues will get addressed. William Gladstone
d. Positive change in society
● People will not fear law but abide by the law.
● Attitudinal change in society e.g. Total Sanitation Campaign
(1999) vs Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (2014). Both had similar goals
i.e. to make India open defecation free. But Swachh Bharat was
highly successful as govt focussed on attitudinal change.
b. Determinants of Ethics in Human Action

7. Economic Factors
● Etymologically, religion has been
a. Capitalist Economy
derived from the word religare.
● Values-Individualism ,Success,competition etc
● Religare means ‘to connect’.
b. Socialist Economy Here the word connect can be seen in 2
● Values-Collectivism,Co-existence, brotherhood etc ways:
8. Religious beliefs a. To connect people
● Religion has historically played a significant role in b. Connect a human (finite beings) to
shaping ethical standards and moral behavior in God (infinite)
societies across the world.
a. Ten Commandments in Christianity
b. Ashtangika marga in Buddhism
c. Vasudeva Kutumbakam- HInduism
d. Ahimsa - Jainism
e. Zakat in Islam (mandatory charity) promotes social
justice, Jihad in Islam means struggle against inner
evils.
f. Dāna in Hinduism and Buddhism encourages
selflessness.
g. Christianity- ‘Love thy neighbour’
But why sometimes religion perpetuates communalism(conflict in the name of religion)?

● Every religion has some practical/ritualistic aspect too.

● These are result of interpretation and commentaries by experts and
theologists.
● Such practices vary from religion to religion.
● These practical aspects are sometimes given with vested/selfish
interest. For example Islamic terrorist groups deform Islamic
ideologies for promoting terror. This is known as radical Islam.
● Such religious principles become basis for conflict in society.
Some paradoxical quotes on religion

"Politics bereft of religion is a death trap"

— Mahatma Gandhi
"All religions are like streams ultimately merging in the sea i.e. God" Here Gandhiji and Swami
— Swami Vivekananda Vivekananda emphasised on
"Religion is the opium of masses" core aspects of every religion,
— Karl Marx while Marx and Bhagat Singh
"Religion is root of all evils" emphasised on ritualistic
— Bhagat Singh in his book "Why I am an Atheist" aspects of religion given with
vested interest by a particular
class.
 c. Consequences of Ethics in Human Action

● The segment discusses the outcome of following

ethical practices.
● Questions from this topic may be framed in an indirect
manner.
A student should show in their answer that:
● Following ethical practices may cause trouble in the
short [Link], it is always beneficial in the long
run.
Consequences of Ethics for Individual
1. Happiness → An elevated sense of being
2. Self Actualization as per Maslow’s hierarchy of
needs→ Brings self contentment→ Unlocks
individual’s potential of creativity
3. Acceptability, credibility, likeability in society
● e.g. Ratan Tata, Atal Bihari Vajpayee → They are
highly respected because they followed ethical
standards always. ● Pleasure is satisfaction of body/senses.
4. Good interpersonal relations ● Happiness is satisfaction of soul.
5. Self-confidence remains high
 Only if a person follows ethical
standard in life, he/she can reach to
the level of self actualization

Abraham H Maslow hierarchy of needs for humans

c. Consequences of Ethics in Human Action

Consequences of Ethics for an organization

1. Strong brand equity
● Eg. Unilever, Levis, Hershey decided to stop advertisement on
FB due to its poor policies on hate speech. This strengthened
their brand values and thus sales too.
● Volkswagen image suffered a setback after discovery of
cheating device for emission.
2. Public Faith
● Eg. UPSC, Election Commission of India have maintained
public trust due to their ethical conduct.
3. Harmonious work culture
● Good employee-employer relation
● Good relation amongst employees
4. Brings transparency and thus promotes efficiency of an
organization
5. Support from the stakeholders, especially customers, in
the time of distress
● Eg. In 2018 many KFC outlets were shut down for months due
to logistics breakdown. But loyal customers of KFC waited and
did not move to any other brand.
Meta Ethics

● Meta = Beyond
● Meta Ethics explores fundamental questions
about the basic premises of Ethics as a
discipline.
Ethics deals with:
a. What is right/wrong?
b. How to attain right?
c. How to be fair/just?
Meta Ethics raises deeper questions like:
a. Is it possible to define “right”?
b. Questions of divine determinism (absence of
free will)
Meta Ethics has dialectical relations
with Ethics. It helps in development of
subject Ethics.
Normative Ethics

● Aims at laying down norms /

criteria to arrive at ethical
outcome.
● Known as Prescriptive Ethics
also.
It has 3 dimensions mainly:
a. Virtue ethics
b. Deontological ethics
c. Teleological ethics
Virtue Ethics

● Virtue Ethics is an ethical theory that focuses on a

person's character rather than on specific actions or
rules.
● Developed by Aristotle in ancient Greece.
How to apply Virtue Ethics?
● When faced with ethical dilemma, a person should
subject a virtuous personality to the situation.
● Action taken by the virtuous personality will be ethical
action in the given situation.
● The personality may be hypothetical / mythological
like Lord Rama, real or historical like Mahatma
Gandhi.
Virtue For Aristotle a virtuous person is the
● behaviour showing high moral standards. one who follows the rule of ‘Golden
● Virtues, in simple words, is values in action. Mean’.
What is a virtuous personality?
● A person who is able translate good values like
honesty, compassion etc into action.
Deontological Ethics

● Derived from the Greek word “deon” meaning

duty.
● It focuses on the inherent rightness or
wrongness of actions, regardless of their
consequences.
● Moral duties and rules are central.
● Actions are ethical if they conform to
established duties or principles,irrespective of
the outcome.
Example
● Telling the truth is ethical, even if it causes harm.
● Stealing is always wrong, even if it brings good
outcomes.
In deontological approach of ethics, right
and wrong are clearly demarcated. There is
no scope for context based evaluation.
Propounders of Deontological Ethics

1. Immanuel Kant
● A German philosopher (1724–1804).
● Gave the concept of ‘categorical imperatives’(universal
moral law). His categorical imperatives could be understood
from 2 dictums associated with him-
a. “ Duty for the sake of duty”
● It means do the right thing because it is right, not because of
gain or fear.
● Example: You return a lost wallet because it’s the right thing to
do, not to gain praise or avoid punishment. Criticism of Kantian Deontological
b. "Every individual is an end in themselves" approach-
● Every person has inherent worth and dignity. ● Too rigid (ignores outcomes
● You should never treat another person merely as a tool (or a entirely).
means) to achieve your goals. ● Doesn’t offer guidance in
● People must be respected for who they are, not used for conflict of duties (e.g., lying
personal gain. to save a life).
● This dictum also emphasise on right conduct,not on
outcome.
Propounders of Deontological Ethics

2. Bhagwat Gita
● Propounds the philosophy of Nishkam Karm ie
dispassionate action.
● It suggests to perform duty while being free
from desires of lust or fear of pain.
● The God says (as per Bhagwat Gita) that
humans have no control on the outcome.
● Hence there is no point in taking action
motivated by any outcome

“Manushya k adhikar vikalp k chunav par

khatam ho jati hai parinam par to uska koi
adhikar hai hi nahi”

You have no control over the outcome except for

the doing right action(which may lead to right
outcome)
Propounders of Deontological Ethics
Examples from life of Gandhiji:
3. Mahatma Gandhi → Gandhiji believed in non-violence.
Some important quotes by Mahatma Gandhi ⇒ Withdrew NCM after Chauri Chaura
highlighting the significance of deontological incident 1922
approach- ⇒ Didn’t support the act of violence by
● “All rights come from the duty well done” HSRA.
● “If everyone performs their duty well, rights won’t
be far away to seek”
● “Means are after all everything, as the means so
are end”
Mahatma Gandhi propounds –
→ Duty-oriented person is deontological
personality (focuses on doing right things irrespective
of the outcome)
Mission Karmyogi

● GoI training programme Mission Karmayogi is

aimed at promoting deontological perspective
about duty amongst the civil servants i.e., Duty
for the sake of duty.
Some bureaucrats turning 'falyogi'
● Posting their discharge of official duty on
social media for fame.
Ethical issues involved:
a. Compromise with dignity of beneficiaries
b. Reputation damage due to naming & shaming
c. Against Civil Services Code of Conduct
d. Against democratic principles
e. Setting wrong precedence
Analysis of Deontological approach

Strength Weakness
→ Prevents deviation → May bring rigidity
→ Rule-based action → Conservative/orthodox thinking may get
→ Psychological satisfaction supported
→ Happiness → Lack flexibility — hence may compromise
→ Following it leads to clear conscience with efficiency
→ Ideal for a student, sportsperson, and for a → May lead to communal conflict in society
public servant in discharge of day-to-day → Indecisiveness for policymakers
regular office work. e.g. road construction requires eviction of tribals
Teleological Ethics

● "Teleos" means end or goal.

● Focuses on the consequences of an
action to determine its ethicality.
Core Idea
● An action is right if it leads to a good
outcome.
Greatest propounders
● Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart
Mill – both propounded
Utilitarianism, a teleological theory.
Deontology vs Teleology:Case example
● Stealing Medicine to Save a Life
Deontological View
● Stealing is wrong, even if the
outcome is good (duty to obey the In Administrative Ethics(essence of GS Paper IV)
law). Utilitarianism branch of Teleological ethics is most
Teleological View pertinent.
● Stealing is justified because it saves a
life (good consequence).
Patrick Nowell Smith-Analysis of Deontology vs Teleology

A hypothetical situation presented by Smith

Analysis by Smith
● The husband had two
options.
1. To have one night stand
with other girl, which will
improve his marriage
2. To have an Emotional
connection with other girl,
which will ruin his marriage.
Deontologist will choose 2nd
option because for them extra
marital affair is a sin, but
teleologist will choose option
1st because it will improve their
marriage.
Teleological Ethics

Utilitarianism
● Founded by Jeremy Bentham and J.S. Mill.
● Principle: The right action is the one that ● Action is associated with Pain.
produces the greatest happiness for the ● Outcome should lead to Pleasure.
greatest number. ● Pleasure should be greater than Pain, for the
● Focuses on collective welfare. action to be ethical(known as Felicific
● Example: Approving a policy that benefits 90% calculus in Bentham’s theory)
of people, even if it negatively affects a few.
Jeremy Bentham
● 19th Century English philosopher. Utility
● He argued nature has subjected humans to 2 ● Defined as
sovereign masters- Outcome-Action(O
1. Pleasure utcome minus
2. Pain(defined as negative Pleasure) Action)
● All human action aim at(an should aim to) ● If Utility is
maximise pleasure and minimise Pain. positive-Action is
Ethical
● If Utility is
negative-Action is
unethical
Jeremy Bentham's auto icon
● The Auto-Icon consists of Bentham's
preserved skeleton, dressed in suit of his own
clothes, and surmounted by a wax head.
● Bentham's auto-icon was acquired by
University College London (UCL) in 1850
and was subsequently displayed there.
● The Auto-icon is of Bentham is maintained
to exemplify Bentham’s Utilitarianism
philosophy.
Analysis of Teleological approach

Strength Weakness
– Flexibility → Instinctive tendency may take place of
– Decision based on reason reason.
– Avoid indecisiveness → Even immoral acts like fake encounter,
● Hence suggested for policymakers adultery, speaking lies may get justified.
(Greatest Happiness for greatest number) → Common people need rules.
– Profit oriented They don’t have time and capacity to do ethical
● Hence suggested for businesses (make analysis on basis of reason.
profit as long as it doesn't harm others)
● A businessman making profit through
legal means but not doing charity would
be ethical as per this approach.
Best approach to be followed in general

Threshold Deontology
● Threshold Deontology is a modified version
of strict deontology.
● It tries to balance the duty-based approach
with practical consequences.
Basic Idea:
“Always follow moral duties… unless the
consequences of doing so become too harmful or
extreme — i.e., cross a certain threshold.”
Descriptive Ethics

● Descriptive ethics is the empirical study of people’s

moral beliefs, values, customs, and behavior.
● It is the branch of ethics that studies and describes how
people actually behave, rather than how they should
behave.
● It is also known as comparative ethics because it
compares and contrasts ethical standards of different
societies.
It answers
● “What do people believe is right or wrong?”
While Normative Ethics tries to answer
● What should they believe?
Descriptive survey findings are like:
● In Country A, 80% believe euthanasia is morally
acceptable.
● In Country B, most people think stealing food when
starving is not wrong.
This is descriptive, not judgmental.
● Descriptive Ethics is “What is” not “What ought to
be”(normative ethics).
Example of Descriptive Ethics

● In states of Punjab, Haryana, Western UP,

Role of Descriptive Ethics
Rajasthan the feeling of having love relationship
1. Helps us map ethical diversity across
with distant cousin will be considered as a sin in
societies and time.
the social context of these regions of India
2. Provides content for development of
● In southern states of India, conjugal relation
Normative Ethics.
between cousins of maternal side is not
3. Assists Social Scientists:
considered sin in the social context of these ● Fields like sociology, anthropology, and
regions. psychology use descriptive ethics to
● But in context of Muslim family the same feeling study ethical behaviors in context.
of love and consequential conjugal relation with 4. Promotes tolerance and inclusiveness
cousin of either paternal or maternal side will not ● Descriptive ethics shows that no single
be considered sin. The same would be ethical standard is universal and
welcomed in this specific social context. highlights importance of multicultural
dialogue.
Applied Ethics

● It refers to the practical

application of ethical or
moral standards.
● It is application of ethical
standard with respect to
real-world actions.
● It is concerned with the
philosophical
investigation of specific
moral dilemmas in
private and public life
including moral
judgements.
Values

● Values are the ‘ideas’ to which a

society/group/institution/individual attaches
importance.
● Eg Courage,entrepreneurship,hard work, discipline
etc
Characteristics of values?
● Moral ideals, innumerous
● Inculcated
● Dynamic- change with space and time
● Stable and difficult to change
● Basis of judgement on matters of ethical dilemma.
● Intangible/abstract
Values can be arranged in a hierarchy
a. Punctuality
b. Compassion
c. Commitment
Types of values

1. Terminal vs Instrumental Values

● Terminal Values- Ultimate values eg Peace,Happiness etc
● Instrumental Values-means to attain some end eg Punctuality,
discipline,hard work etc
2. Positive Values vs Negative value
● Positive values considered good eg dedication, hard work etc
● Negative values considered bad,harmful, or antisocial behavior.
Eg Dishonesty,Greed,Cruelty,Selfishness,Corruption,Arrogance
etc
3. Universal values(Human values) vs Parochial values
● Universal values, also called human values, are ethical
principles or standards that are widely accepted and upheld by
people across different cultures, religions, and [Link]
values are considered essential for human dignity, coexistence,
and the well-being of all. Eg Truth (Satya),Compassion
(Karuna),Non-violence (Ahimsa) etc
● Parochial values are narrow, limited, or biased beliefs that
prioritize the interests of one’s own group—such as family, caste,
religion, region, or nation—at the expense of broader human or
ethical concerns.
Are values objective or subjective?

● Applying the concept of continuum,we can argue that some values are more objective in
nature and can be called universal or human values.
● While there are many values that are contextual, partial,relative in nature. Such values are
more subjective in nature.

100%
100% objective
subjective

More objectivity More subjectivity

● Honesty ● Non vegetarianism
● Justice ● Alcoholism
● Respecting ● Divorce
elders ● Homosexuality
● Non-violence ● Individualism
● Collectivism
Inculcation of values

● It means internalization or imbibing of values in

someone.
● It doesn’t mean just telling what is right or wrong but
also shaping one's personality in manner that she
chooses moral path in all circumstances.
Example-
● Duryodhana reply to Krishna just before
Mahabharata was to begin when Krishna tried to
convince Duryodhan against going to the [Link]
wanted to make Duryodhan realise that he was
committing sin ie Adharma.
● "I know what is dharma, yet I cannot get myself to
follow it! I know what is adharma, yet I cannot retire
from it” Duryodhana's reply to Krishna
● By listening to the reply of Duryodhana, Krishna
realised futility of any truce attempt. Duryodhana
knew what were good values but couldn’t inculcate
them.
Role of family in inculcation of values

● Family play an important role in inculcation of values in initial phase British Thinker
of life. John Bowlby in
0- 3 years age his ‘Attachment
● The child is almost 100% in the family. theory’ says-If a
● Family is the main source of inculcation of values in this phase. child does not
3 to 12 years of age have a mother
● Impact of families more than friends in general. the chances of
13 to 19 years of age him or her being
● The control of family loosens and influence of peer group a criminal or
increases. recidivist/deviant
20 years onwards is very high.
● Family in general does not play much significant role.
How does the family teachers moral values to a child?
1. Direct teaching- Family members teach the child by instructing
values to do certain things by mentioning do's and don'ts and
bedtime stories.
● Generally good values are imparted through this method.
2. Observational learning-indirect teaching(more effective)
● Bad values like communalism,casteism,racism imparted through this
method.
Role of Educational institutions in inculcation of values

Primary School
● At early age education institutions ie primary schools, peer group
plays an important role in inculcation of values.
● Social adjustment,sharing etc is inculcated in this age.
Secondary school
● Cognitive and psychomotor skills - through curricular activities
● Social and interpersonal skills- through extra-curricular activities.
● Discipline,punctuality is inculcated amongst kids by school.
Higher learning
● Science increases rational thinking and questioning of old age
beliefs.
● Literature helps us understand human nature and prevalent social
values of a given era.
Role of Society in inculcating values

● Aristotle said that “ man is a social animal”.

● Society shapes our goal, ambition, aspiration.
● In short it is society that shapes who we are.
● For example craze of civil services in a youth of
middle class family is because the kind of respect middle
class attaches to civil services.
● But a youth of lower class in general is happy with a
Group D job, while a youth of very affluent class eg
Ambanis have different aspirations.
● Society is practical classroom where we
act,experience and learn.
Overall assessment
● Role of family is greater than role of education
institution and Society in general in inculcation of values.
● But in some cases society can have greater impact
especially in absence of family or education institutions.
Ethics in Public and Private life

Public life Private life

● Public life refers to a person’s ● Personal life is defined as one’s interaction with
interaction and dealings with the individuals who are directly/emotionally
society at large. connected with him or her.
● It involves professional interactions ● Informal and not codified unlike Public ethics.
and business dealings. ● Regulated by emotions and tolerance for
● Regulated by rules and regulations. imperfections.
● Violation may lead professional ● Deviations can impact relationship.
consequences eg severance of job. General values that guides ethics in life are-
General values that guides ethics in public ● Love and Care
life are- ● Confidentiality
1. Honesty and Integrity ● Perseverance
2. Accountability ● Responsibility
3. Dealing with everyone fairly and equally ● Truthfulness
4. Transparency
5. Treating everyone with dignity Accountability Vs Responsibility
“Treat others just as you want to be treated” ● Accountability-Being answerable for one’s actions,
Bible decisions, and results.
● Responsibility-The obligation to perform assigned
tasks and duties.
Norms

● Norms are standards of behavior shared by

members of a group or society.
● Sticking to norms is exhibiting adherence to
certain values.
● Values are abstract, while norms are
concrete in expression of values.
Morality
● Morality refers to the personal sense of Ethics
right and wrong that guides individual
behavior. ● Standards held in collective manner to
● It is often shaped by one’s family, distinguish right against wrong
religion, culture, and personal beliefs. ● Arise from profession,organization religion and
● Morality is like personal compass to culture.
distinguish right against wrong. ● Extrinsic imposition in form of rules,
● Individual’s understanding of right regulations,norms,code of conduct
against wrong ● Establish code of conduct of person in society
● Arise from experience and logical or organization.
thinking of an individual ● Social ostracisation in case of violation of
● Intrinsic imposition societal standard or severance of job in case of
● Helps an individual to take personal professional ethics may happen.
decisions ● Objective
● Violation will not lead to external
consequence,but it may lead to pangs of
conscience.
● Subjective.
‘Morality’ and ‘Ethics’
● Morality and Ethics are incomplete
synonymous terms and often used
interchangeably.
● They overlap in most of the cases the
socialization and sanction process of
everyone in a society is very similar thus
individuals have similar type of morality.
● Consensus in morality leads to
identification of broader ethical standards.
● But in some cases divergence in ethical
and moral standards may arise.
Example of divergence in ‘Morality’ and ‘Ethics’
1. Conflict between morality and social ethics
● Sati once used to be considered ethical practice in
Indian society, but Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s morality
went against it.
2. Conflict between morality and professional ethics
● Suppose a lawyers knows that his client is guilty.
● But his professional ethics expects him save the
client while his morality asks him to deliberately
weaken the case.
 Relation between Values,Ethics and Morality

General standard of
Ethics society regarding right or
wrong.
People on the basis of Typical Hindus Eating meat
their morality convince is unethical
other people

Individual's understanding
Morality
of right or wrong. One may
think eating non veg is
Some values become stronger wrong.
and people start to associate it
with right or wrong
Set of preferences and
Values choices. eg Some prefer
vegetarian food and other
may prefer non veg food.
How ethical standard of a society changes with time?

● Individuals' morality comes into conflict with

ethical standard of society.
● The individual engages into ‘initiative talking’ to
convince others in line with his/her morality.
● Convinces others to change their moral standards
and thus a new consensus is created leading to new Nietzsche’s concept of Superman-
ethical standard. ● “The superman rejects all
● e.g. R. R. Roy → Morality inconsistent with Sati → conventional human practices and
created consensus against Sati. values and invents his own value”
What is ‘Initiative talking’? ● From this standard Raja Ram Mohan
● Attempt to change conventional morality is also Roy can be called a ‘Superman’.
known as ‘Initiative talking’.
Ethics and Law

What is ‘Law’?
● Law is structured system of rules and
regulations enforced through certain
authority to govern individual’s behavior,
actions and social relations.
● Minimum standard of behaviour that
everyone must stick to for survival of a
civilised society.
● For example people should not
murder,cheat,rape if society has to survive.
● Thus these actions were codified in form
of law for prevention eg Bhartiya Nyas
Samhita(IPC).
● But everything that is acceptable in society
may not be called Ethical.
● Ethical conducts are not just acceptable
but also desirable.
Ethics and Law-Dynamic relation
● The relationship between law and ethics is
dynamic and a function of its time.
● Ethics can be called ‘base’ and ‘law’ as
superstructure.
● Laws without Ethical standards may
lead to violation and protests.
Example
● Mahatma Gandhi considered Salt tax
immoral.
● He created consensus against Salt tax in
amongst the freedom fighters.
● Struggle against the law during Civil "Since social ethics
Disobedience Movement(CDM) forced strongly oppose acts
Britishers to change the law. like rape and murder,
laws related to these
issues are generally
well accepted and
widely followed."
 Example- Sati Regulation Act,1829━ earlier led to protest and non
compliance. With efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy- the Ethical standard of
the society also shifted- consistency in Ethics and law-Compliance

Law Law Law

Ethics Ethics
Ethics

Deliberately create a Over a period of time society

progressive law- will shift its ethics in line
How to bring with the progressive law--
inconsistency between Law
positive change in and Ethics- protest/non Compliance
the society in line compliance
with progressive
ideas ?
Law Law

Ethics Ethics

Slowly allow the ethical standard of society in progressive line- bring progressive law in
“incremental manner”-- Suggested by the SC in case of Same Sex Marriage
Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders
1. Mahatma Gandhi-value of Truth(satya) and Non Violence(Ahimsa)
● Mahatma Gandhi’s insistence on truth in politics, governance, and personal conduct set an example
for ethical leadership.
2. Lal Bahadur Shastri-value of Honesty
● Honesty implies being-truthful,non pretentious,devoid of tendency of fraud or cheat.
● Once Lal Bahadur Shastri was imprisoned. He was granted 15 days parole to visit his ailing daughter.
Unfortunately she died in next 3 days.
3. Mother Teresa- values of Compassion (Karuna)
● Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick, embodied compassion in its
highest form. Her selfless service continues to inspire humanitarian efforts across the world.
4. Sachin Tendulkar- value of Integrity
● A person who shows consistency in speech,thoughts and action is person of integrity.
● Eg Sachin Tendulkar refused to endorse an alcohol and cigarette brand on different occasions despite
huge monetary offer
5. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar- value of Perseverance (Sahanashakti)
● The ability to remain determined despite obstacles is a hallmark of great leaders. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
displayed extraordinary perseverance in his fight for social justice.
Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great
Leaders
“I Have a Dream” speech
6. Martin Luther King Jr- value of self-belief, equality ● Popular speech of
of the human race Martin Luther King “I
7. Amitabh Bachchan- value of punctuality Have a Dream,” 1963
● He is known as hallmark of punctuality . ● Full speech- “I have a
● There has been instances when he has waited for dream that my four
co-stars for 3 to 4 hours. little children will one
● In 2014,he was struck in traffic while going for a day live in a nation
shoot. He started walking to the studio and reached where they will not be
after 1 hour walk. judged by the color of
8. Anna Hazare/Warren Buffett- value Simplicity and their skin but by the
Minimalism content of their
● Simplistic life and minimalistic tendency brings self character.”
confidence and incorruptible personality.
● Anna Hazare is known as epitome of simplicity.
● Warren Buffett, one of the richest man of the world
leads a very simple life. He lives in a house that he
bought in 1958.
Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great
Leaders

9. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam- value of modesty,Self

belief,scientific temper,visionary
5 learnings from his book Wings of Fire
1. Be prepared-No matter how much effort & time
you’ve put in to achieve a goal, life does not always
follow the plan we have set for ourselves. There will
be times where it decides to take its own course and
makes you follow it instead.
What next?
● In such emergencies, it becomes essential to be
prepared. And for that, you need to have the right
presence of mind to decide what steps to take next
in order to ensure you fall back onto track.
“You have to dream before your dreams can
come true”
A.P.J Abdul Kalam
(The quote highlights importance of being
visionary)
2. Taking failures in your stride
● “If you want to become unique, defeat fear and become the captain of the problem” he
highlighted. The best way to succeed is to take success and failure in the same stride. Both
come hand in hand. If you learn to take failure in your stride, you will also start looking at the
solution for the problem than the cause itself. Learn to treat your failures, the same way you
treat success & you will be amazed to see how you master the art of succeeding.
3. Think & act different
● “My message, especially to young people is to have courage to think differently, courage to
invent, to travel the unexplored path, courage to discover the impossible and to conquer the
problems and succeed”
4. Have A Vision
● Vision and strategy are both important to lead a successful life. Which one comes first?
Undoubtedly, vision. If you have a clear vision in mind, you will eventually adopt the right
strategy. If you don’t have a clear vision, no strategy will work in your favour.
5. Be humble, even if you are the head of the nation
● This should top the list because everything else fails in the absence of this. Dr. Kalam always
emphasized that you should never lose out on your humble self even if you are the head of an
entire nation. No matter where life takes you, it is essential to always remain grounded and
maintain humility at all times. Modesty has, and will always remain, an alluring trait because
where egoism fails, humility conquers.
Swami Vivekananda

● National Youth Day is celebrated on 12 January being the birthday of Swami “Youth to have
Vivekananda. ‘muscles of iron’,
● In 1984 the Government of India declared this day as National Youth Day. ‘nerves of steel’ and
Some of his teachings relevant to the youth today are: ‘minds like
1. Relentless efforts towards goal thunderbolt’. Then
● He said “Arise, Awake and Stop not till the goal is achieved”. only we realize the
2. Balanced life dream of making
● Youth to live a meaningful life through different quests like physical quest (for Bharat a Vishwa
ensuring physical fitness), social quest (for undertaking social activities for the Guru once again”.
betterment of society), intellectual quest (for building intellectual strength) and
spiritual quest (for achieving spiritual and psychological well-being).
3. Self belief
● According to him there is immense power in Indian traditional
[Link] should try to realise its potential rather than blindly
copying the west.
4. Religious tolerance
● His famous speech at the World Parliament of Religions, emphasized
universal tolerance. This teaching is significant for the youth in a highly
polarised global world order.
Parliament of World’s Religions

● The Parliament of World’s Religions, held for the first

time in 1893.
● So far, six international modern Parliaments have
been hosted.
● The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions is
headquartered in Chicago.
● Its board of trustees are elected from various faith
communities. Theme of Swami Vivekananda’s speech
Participants in the first conference: ● He stressed upon world harmony,
● Jain preacher Virchand Gandhi. and how religions, while co-existing
● Buddhist preacher Anagarika Dharmapala. with one another, must preserve their
● Swami Vivekananda represented Hinduism(first to individuality and grow according to
speak on 11th September 1893). their own law of growth.
● Christianity was represented by G. Bonet Maury.
● Islam was represented by Mohammed Alexander
Russell Webb.
 “It is bread that the
What Swamiji realised in the US? suffering millions of
burning India cry out Gandhian concept of
● When Swami Vivekananda went to with parched throats. It Sarvodaya is similar.
America he found that the labourers is an insult to starving It means development
were unaware of religion. people to offer them of all, in all
● When he asked them about their religion.” dimension.
religion the labourers replied, “We do Swami Vivekananda
not know, we go to church.”
● Swamiji then realised how conscious
Americans were about their
socio-economic conditions than
about religion.
● As per Swami Vivekananda, the reason
behind backwardness in Indian
society was too much emphasis on
spirituality,neglecting material
advancement.
● Swamiji emphasised on balanced
approach towards life.
Q. Highlight the important teachings of Swami Vivekananda, relevant to the youth of today.
(150 words) 10 marks

The philosophy of Swami Vivekananda and the ideals for which worked are a great source of inspiration for the youth
[Link] to this, his birth anniversary i.e. January 12th is commemorated and celebrated as National Youth Day.
1. Spirit of national awakening: He wanted youth who would eventually be leaders, contribute to national
awakening for which India has been known ie Spiritualism.
2. Relentless efforts towards goal: He said “Arise, Awake and Stop not till the goal is achieved”.
3. Philanthropy & service to mankind: According to him “so as long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I
hold each man a traitor.”
4. Religious tolerance: His famous speech at the World Parliament of Religions, emphasized universal tolerance.
This teaching is significant for the youth in a highly polarised global world order.
5. Balanced life- youth to live a meaningful life through different quests like
physical quest (for ensuring physical fitness), social quest (for undertaking social activities aimed not only for
the betterment of society but also the individuals), intellectual quest (for building intellectual strength) and
spiritual quest (for achieving spiritual and psychological well-being).
6. Self belief: According to him there is immense power in Indian traditional [Link] should try to realise
its potential rather than blindly copying the west.
Swami Vivekananda wanted youth to have ‘muscles of iron’, ‘nerves of steel’ and ‘minds like thunderbolt’. Then only
we realize the dream of making Bharat a Vishwa Guru once again.
Lessons from the Lives of good Administrators

1. E. Sreedharan:
What he valued?
● Punctuality, self-belief, integrity, high-quality Changed people's perception
standards [Link] as “Metro Man of India” about work culture of
for his grand success in executing the completion government organizations.
of the Delhi Metro. He showed government E Sreedharan
projects could be completed without cost and
time overrun.
2. TN Seshan
What he valued? Mr. Seshan was the
● Honesty, zero tolerance to corruption, democratic only one to hold the
values post of CEC for six
years from 1990 to
TN Seshan 1996.T N Seshan who
played a key role in
reforming election
system in the
country.
 3. Kiran Bedi
What she valued?
● Compassion(Tihar reforms), applied the concept of “Zone She introduced
of influence and zone of concern” in administration. several reforms at
● She has always followed Theodore Roosevelt’s saying Tihar Jail, which
‘Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.’ gained worldwide
and has applied it at various instances. acclaim and won her
Zone of Concern the Ramon
● Things that matter to us but we cannot directly control. Eg Magsaysay Award in
Global politics, weather, economy, others' behavior etc Kiran Bedi 1994.
Zone of Influence
● Things we can do something about.
● Eg Our habits, responses, choices, attitude, learning etc
Why limiting concern to our influence zone increases
efficiency?
1. Focuses energy
2. Improves decision-making
3. Increases impact
● As you work on your influence zone, it expands,
gradually allowing you to affect larger concerns.
● Limiting Zone of Concern to Zone of Influence requires
emotional intelligence(Chapter 4).