Having conscience is a prerequisite for making moral decisions, in addition to consciousness. Give relevant instances to illustrate. (Answer in 150 words)
Model Answer Introduction Adherence to ethics is essential for the smooth functioning of any organization or system. Ethics seeks to promote moral values and principles that guide human behavior towards what is good and right. It emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, fairness, responsibilRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Adherence to ethics is essential for the smooth functioning of any organization or system. Ethics seeks to promote moral values and principles that guide human behavior towards what is good and right. It emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, fairness, responsibility, respect, and compassion in human life.
Body
Ethical values play a crucial role in resolving conflicts that individuals encounter in their daily lives. When these values are embraced, they provide a framework for making decisions that are fair and just, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflicts. For instance, when faced with a choice between personal gain and the greater good, values such as integrity and responsibility guide individuals toward prioritizing the collective benefit (Gini, A. “Ethical Leadership in Business,” Business Ethics Quarterly, 2016).
In cases where conflicts do arise, ethical principles can facilitate constructive resolutions. For example, workplace conflicts often occur between colleagues or between employees and management. In such situations, values like honesty and respect can guide individuals toward resolving disputes in a constructive manner. If an employee is asked to engage in unethical behavior by a supervisor, their commitment to integrity may compel them to speak up, leading to a resolution that upholds ethical standards (Winston, B.E., “Ethics in Leadership,” Journal of Leadership Studies, 2018).
Similarly, in personal relationships, ethical values such as empathy and respect enable individuals to navigate disagreements with sensitivity. For instance, in discussions over contentious topics like politics, individuals can use their ethical framework to engage in respectful dialogues, allowing both parties to express their views and reach a mutual understanding (Fisher, R., “Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In,” 2011).
Conclusion
Ethical values provide a robust framework for decision-making that is fair, just, and beneficial for all involved. They not only guide individuals in resolving conflicts constructively but also foster a culture of trust and cooperation, which is vital for the smooth functioning of organizations and systems.
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We as humans, are based on a very complex and multifaceted narrative of emotions where many of these attributes might or might not converge with one another. Consciousness and Conscience are two of the attributes that are inculcated in beings for the functioning of their everyday life but they are oRead more
We as humans, are based on a very complex and multifaceted narrative of emotions where many of these attributes might or might not converge with one another. Consciousness and Conscience are two of the attributes that are inculcated in beings for the functioning of their everyday life but they are often used interchangeably when they hold distinctive meanings.
Consciousness refers to awareness about oneself and also of one’s surroundings in all aspects where as Conscience refers to the moral judgement, the knowledge and application of right and wrong. Though consciousness is central to making ethical decisions, conscience also plays an equally vital role in the same. The first step to making an ethical decision is being aware and mindful of the situation but actually moving forward to make a rational ethical decision, one needs to posses the attribute of conscience because it provides us a moral framework and guidance that shapes our interpretation and actions.
For instance, many people are conscious that burning firecrackers on Diwali causes air, noise and land pollution and it has so many ill effects for the living and the non-living, but choosing to not burn them for the sake of temporary enjoyment and protecting the environment, is a sign of active conscience that helps one make an ethical decision. Another instance for the same could be, many young people are conscious that smoking or drinking are injurious, not just to oneself but could also cause unfortunate events in general for others too, but choosing not to engage in these activities despite peer pressure or social media outraging is the aspect of conscience that drives one to make an ethical decision.
Therefore, Consciousness and Conscience are related to each other in various aspects, especially in ethical reasoning and decision making but they hold different references. Where Consciousness is the base for ethical reasoning, conscience is what drives us to actually take an action and therefore, it is extremely important to possess conscience along with consciousness for ethical reasoning and decision making.
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