Hi aspirants, hope you are doing well in your preparation every single day. Keep on working towards your day. The more quality time you put into this preparation the more chances of being successful. Stay consistent in your efforts doesn’t matter how small your efforts are. Have faith in your hard, have faith in the preparation. One day you will make it.
Again, here is 5 questions for you on day 2. Hope, you will remain consistent in this series and will try your best to do some value addition in these answers on your own too.
Q.) Without commonly shared and widely entrenched moral values and obligations, neither the law nor democratic government, nor even the market economy will function properly. What do you understand by this statement? Explain with illustration in contemporary times. (UPSC ETHICS, 2017, 10 markers).
Ans.) This statement highlights the importance of moral values and obligations in maintaining the proper functioning of law, democratic government, and the market economy. Without shared values, individuals may act solely in their self-interest, leading to a breakdown in societal order and cooperation.
In contemporary times, we can observe this in the context of corporate ethics. Companies that prioritize short-term profits over ethical considerations may engage in unethical practices like environmental exploitation or labor rights violations. Such actions can erode trust in the market economy and lead to negative consequences for society.
Moreover, democratic governments rely on citizens’ adherence to moral values and obligations, such as honesty, integrity, and respect for others. When these values are disregarded, corruption and nepotism can thrive, undermining the democratic process and eroding public trust in the government.
Ultimately, shared moral values foster a sense of responsibility and accountability, creating a foundation for a functioning society where laws, governments, and economies work in harmony to promote the common good.
Q.) The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life. Discuss. (UPSC ETHICS, 2017, 10 markers).
Ans.) The crisis of ethical values in modern times can indeed be attributed to a narrow perception of the good life. In today’s society, the emphasis on material possessions, success, and personal pleasure has led to a diminished appreciation for moral principles and communal well-being.
A narrow perception of the good life often centers around consumerism and individualism, where the pursuit of material wealth and self-gratification takes precedence over ethical considerations. This focus on immediate self-interest can lead to a disregard for the consequences of one’s actions on others and the environment.
Moreover, the rapid advancements in technology and globalization have also contributed to the erosion of traditional ethical values. As societies become more interconnected, the clash of diverse cultures and beliefs can create a sense of moral relativism, further blurring the lines of what is considered morally right or wrong.
To address this crisis, there is a need to foster a broader understanding of the good life that emphasizes empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards others and the planet. Encouraging education on ethics and promoting a more inclusive and sustainable way of life can help realign our values with a more holistic and ethical perspective.
Q.) With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. ( UPSC ETHICS, 2018, 10 markers).
Ans.) The question of whether the means or the ends are of paramount importance in determining the morality of actions has been a longstanding ethical debate. Both views have their proponents, but from an ethical standpoint, emphasizing the means is more appropriate.
The means-focused perspective asserts that the methods used to achieve a goal greatly influence the moral character of an action. It upholds the principles of fairness, justice, and respect for others, emphasizing that ethical actions must adhere to certain moral standards regardless of the desired outcome. This approach prioritizes the process of decision-making and emphasizes integrity and honesty.
On the other hand, the ends-focused view suggests that the outcome justifies any means employed to attain it. This approach may lead to the justification of unethical actions if the results are considered favorable, potentially leading to a slippery slope where unethical behavior becomes more acceptable in pursuit of specific goals.
By prioritizing the means, individuals and societies are more likely to maintain their moral integrity, build trust, and promote a more just and sustainable world. Ethical actions that focus on fairness, empathy, and respect for all stakeholders contribute to the greater good, fostering a more stable and virtuous society in the long run.
Q.) What does this quotation mean to you in the present context: “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.”-Tirukkural. (UPSC ETHICS, 2018, 10 markers).
Ans.) In the present context, the quotation “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good” from Tirukkural raises a complex ethical dilemma. The quote suggests that in certain situations, dishonesty or falsehood may be justified if it leads to an overall positive outcome for the greater good of society.
However, from an ethical standpoint, this idea is controversial. While the immediate consequences of a false action might appear beneficial, the long-term effects and erosion of trust can be detrimental to society. Integrity and honesty are fundamental pillars of ethical behavior, and compromising them for short-term gains may lead to a loss of credibility and create a culture of deceit.
Instead, a more ethical approach would be to prioritize transparency, truthfulness, and accountability while pursuing the common good. It is essential to explore alternative solutions that align with ethical principles to achieve positive outcomes without resorting to falsehood.
In essence, while the quote highlights the complexity of ethical decision-making, it is crucial to uphold honesty and integrity, even in challenging circumstances, as they form the foundation for sustainable and morally just societies.
Q.) What are the basic principles of public life? Illustrate any three of these with suitable examples. (UPSC ETHICS, 2019, 10 markers).
Ans.) The basic principles of public life, often referred to as the “Seven Principles of Public Life” are as follows:
• Integrity: Acting with honesty, upholding moral and ethical principles, and being free from corruption and conflicts of interest.
• Objectivity: Making decisions based on evidence, without bias or favoritism, and putting the public interest above personal interests.
• Accountability: Being responsible for one’s actions and decisions, and being open to scrutiny and answerable for the outcomes.
• Openness: Being transparent in decision-making processes and sharing relevant information with the public.
• Honesty: Communicating truthfully and not misleading or concealing information.
• Leadership: Demonstrating leadership qualities that inspire trust, confidence, and respect.
• Selflessness: Serving the public interest without seeking personal gain or advantage.
Illustration of three principles:
• Integrity: A public servant refusing a bribe from a contractor to secure a public project, demonstrating a commitment to upholding ethical values and resisting corruption.
• Objectivity: An impartial selection committee, composed of diverse members, selecting a candidate for a government position based on qualifications and merit, without any bias towards gender, race, or personal connections.
• Accountability: A government official taking responsibility and issuing an apology for a department’s failure to provide timely relief during a natural disaster, demonstrating openness and willingness to acknowledge mistakes and improve the response system.
Have a good day👍. Keep working hard towards your goal. Good luck aspirants.🤘👍