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Home/upsc: dimensions of ethics

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Kumudini Lakhia
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Kumudini LakhiaEnthusiast
Asked: January 28, 2025In:
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upsc: dimensions of ethics
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction Environmental ethics is a branch of ethics that examines the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment. It involves exploring the ethical questions arising from human interactions with nature, including our responsibilities and obligations toward the natRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    Environmental ethics is a branch of ethics that examines the moral relationship between humans and the natural environment. It involves exploring the ethical questions arising from human interactions with nature, including our responsibilities and obligations toward the natural world.

    Importance of Studying Environmental Ethics

    1. Moral Obligations:
      • Environmental ethics clarifies the moral duties humans have toward the environment, such as the duty to protect biodiversity and preserve natural habitats (Ehrlich & Pringle, 2008).
    2. Sustainable Development:
      • It assists in balancing development with conservation, ensuring that present needs do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own (Brundtland Commission, 1987).
    3. Decision Making:
      • Environmental ethics provides a framework for making informed decisions that impact the environment, guiding land use planning, resource management, and environmental policy (Norton, 1991).

    Environmental Issue: Deforestation

    Deforestation refers to the large-scale clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, and urbanization. India has experienced significant forest loss, ranking second globally in deforestation over a short period (FAO, 2020). From an environmental ethics perspective, deforestation raises critical ethical concerns:

    1. Loss of Biodiversity:
      • Forests host diverse species, and their destruction leads to habitat loss. The Western Ghats in India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is under threat from deforestation, endangering numerous endemic species (IUCN, 2014).
    2. Climate Change:
      • Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2. Deforestation releases stored carbon, exacerbating global warming. The Himalayan region’s deforestation contributes to glacier melting and increases the risk of landslides (IPCC, 2021).
    3. Impact on Indigenous Communities:
      • Many indigenous groups rely on forests for their livelihoods and cultural identity. Deforestation displaces these communities, violating their rights. For instance, the Dongria Kondh tribe in Odisha faces threats from mining activities in their ancestral lands (Survival International, 2017).

    Conclusion

    Studying environmental ethics is essential for understanding our moral responsibilities toward the environment. Deforestation exemplifies the pressing ethical issues we face, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and the displacement of indigenous communities. Addressing these concerns is vital for achieving a sustainable future.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 28, 2024In:
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Differentiate between the following: (1) Law and Ethics; (2) Management of Ethics and Ethical Management; (3) Preferential Treatment and Discrimination; and (4) Personal Ethics and Professional Ethics (200 words) [UPSC 2015]

upsc: dimensions of ethics
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer (i) Law and Ethics Law refers to the codified set of rules and regulations enforced by governmental authorities. It is mandatory, and violations can lead to legal repercussions, such as fines or imprisonment. For example, laws against theft are enforced by the criminal justice system (HRead more

    Model Answer

    (i) Law and Ethics

    Law refers to the codified set of rules and regulations enforced by governmental authorities. It is mandatory, and violations can lead to legal repercussions, such as fines or imprisonment. For example, laws against theft are enforced by the criminal justice system (Hart, 1961).

    Ethics, conversely, consists of moral principles that guide individual or group behavior. Ethics are voluntary and arise from personal or societal values rather than legal mandates. For instance, while it may be legal to lie in certain situations, it is generally considered unethical (Kant, 1785).

    (ii) Ethical Management and Management of Ethics

    Ethical Management involves integrating ethical principles into business operations and decision-making processes. It emphasizes the importance of conducting business with integrity and respect for stakeholders (Trevino & Nelson, 2016).

    Management of Ethics, however, refers to the systematic approach to creating and enforcing ethical policies and practices within an organization. This includes training employees on ethical standards and establishing a framework for ethical decision-making (Kaptein, 2011).

    (iii) Discrimination and Preferential Treatment

    Discrimination is the unfair treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, or age. It is often illegal and violates civil rights laws (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2021).

    Preferential Treatment, on the other hand, involves giving special advantages or opportunities to certain groups, often to address historical inequalities. This can be legally permissible, as seen in affirmative action policies aimed at promoting diversity (U.S. Department of Education, 2020).

    (iv) Personal Ethics and Professional Ethics

    Personal Ethics are the moral beliefs and values that guide an individual’s behavior in their personal life. These may vary significantly from person to person based on upbringing and experiences (Rachels, 2003).

    Professional Ethics, in contrast, are the standards and codes of conduct that govern behavior in a professional context. Professionals are often held to higher ethical standards and must adhere to specific codes related to their field, such as those set forth by medical or legal associations (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013).

    Conclusion

    Understanding these distinctions is crucial for navigating both personal and professional landscapes, ensuring adherence to laws, ethical standards, and fairness in treatment.

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 26, 2024In:
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Returning refugees to their home country, where they risk persecution and human rights violations, is not a good idea. Consider the assertion in light of the ethical standards that the country, which bills itself as democratic and open, is violating. ...

upsc: dimensions of ethics
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction The statement that refugees should not be turned back to countries where they face persecution underscores an ethical obligation that democratic nations have in safeguarding fundamental human rights. When states repatriate refugees to places of danger, they violate core ethRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    The statement that refugees should not be turned back to countries where they face persecution underscores an ethical obligation that democratic nations have in safeguarding fundamental human rights. When states repatriate refugees to places of danger, they violate core ethical principles such as justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity.

    Body

    Violation of Non-refoulement Principle

    One significant ethical breach is the violation of the non-refoulement principle, which mandates that refugees should not be returned to places where they face serious threats. For instance, Australia has been widely criticized for its Operation Sovereign Borders, initiated in 2013, which involved intercepting and returning boats carrying asylum seekers, including those fleeing persecution (Amnesty International, 2019). This policy starkly contradicts the ethical commitment to protect vulnerable populations.

    Lack of Compassion and Solidarity

    The lack of compassion is evident in Hungary’s response to the refugee crisis. In 2015, the country constructed fences along its borders to deter refugees, demonstrating a failure to show solidarity with those in need (Human Rights Watch, 2016). This act not only undermined human rights but also reflected a broader disregard for ethical considerations in the face of humanitarian crises.

    Other Relevant Examples

    The Rohingya crisis of 2017 illustrates another ethical failure. Over 700,000 Rohingyas fled violence in Myanmar to Bangladesh, which, despite its limited resources, struggled to accommodate them. Many were turned back, facing further persecution (UNHCR, 2018). Similarly, during the Syrian refugee crisis, millions fled conflict, but numerous nations, citing national security, refused to accept them, violating ethical obligations to assist those in dire need (European Council on Refugees and Exiles, 2020).

    In the context of the US-Mexico border, policies have been implemented to turn back Central American migrants to Mexico, exposing them to violence and human rights abuses (American Civil Liberties Union, 2021). Each of these examples illustrates a profound ethical failure to protect refugees.

    Conclusion

    It is crucial for nations to uphold their ethical obligations to protect refugees’ rights, ensuring they receive support and assistance necessary for a life of dignity and security. Upholding these principles is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of democratic societies.

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Garima Gupta
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Garima GuptaBegginer
Asked: July 24, 2024In:
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What is implied by the “golden rule”? In what way does it vary from the “golden mean”? Explain the distinction with pertinent instances.

upsc: dimensions of ethics
  1. Firoj dud
    Firoj dud Begginer

    The "golden rule" is a moral principle that suggests treating others the way you would want to be treated yourself. It is often expressed as "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This principle emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and reciprocity in human relationships anRead more

    The “golden rule” is a moral principle that suggests treating others the way you would want to be treated yourself. It is often expressed as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This principle emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and reciprocity in human relationships and interactions.

    The golden rule is about how one should act towards others. It encourages individuals to consider the perspectives and needs of others, and to treat them with the same care and consideration that they would want for themselves. This principle is found in various forms across different religions, philosophies, and cultural traditions, and it is often seen as a fundamental tenet of ethical behavior.

    Examples of the golden rule:

    1. If you would not want someone to lie to you, then you should not lie to them.
    2. If you would want others to be kind and helpful to you, then you should be kind and helpful to them.
    3. If you would not want to be discriminated against, then you should not discriminate against others.

    The “Golden Mean”:
    The “golden mean” is a philosophical concept that emphasizes the importance of finding the right balance or moderation between two extremes. It suggests that the virtue or ideal lies in the middle, avoiding both excess and deficiency.

    The golden mean is about finding the appropriate degree or level of a particular quality or behavior, rather than solely focusing on how one should treat others. It encourages individuals to seek a balance and avoid going to extremes, as the middle path is often considered the most prudent and virtuous.

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Nikhil Joshi
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Nikhil JoshiLearner
Asked: July 9, 2024In:
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Describe the main tenets of ethics’ “virtue theory.” Which qualities do you believe are essential to having as an administrator in India?

upsc: dimensions of ethics
  1. Nora Ujjana
    Nora Ujjana Begginer

    Virtue ethics, or virtue theory, is an approach to ethics that emphasizes the development of moral character and virtues as the key to ethical decision-making rather than focusing on rules or consequences. Here are the main tenets of virtue theory: Focus on Virtue: Virtue ethics places primary imporRead more

    Virtue ethics, or virtue theory, is an approach to ethics that emphasizes the development of moral character and virtues as the key to ethical decision-making rather than focusing on rules or consequences. Here are the main tenets of virtue theory:

    1. Focus on Virtue: Virtue ethics places primary importance on cultivating virtuous character traits, such as honesty, courage, justice, compassion, prudence, and wisdom. These virtues guide individuals in making ethical decisions and living a good life.
    2. Eudaimonia (Human Flourishing): The ultimate aim of virtue ethics is eudaimonia, often translated as human flourishing or well-being. Virtuous actions are believed to contribute to a person’s flourishing and fulfillment of their potential as a human being.
    3. Agent-Centered Approach: Unlike consequentialist or deontological ethics, which focus respectively on outcomes or rules, virtue ethics is agent-centered. It considers the moral character of the person making decisions rather than the actions themselves or their outcomes.
    4. Phronesis (Practical Wisdom): Central to virtue ethics is the concept of phronesis, or practical wisdom. This is the ability to discern the right course of action in particular situations, taking into account context, values, and the specific circumstances.
    5. Community and Relationships: Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of relationships and community in ethical life. Virtues are often developed and expressed within the context of social interactions and communal norms.

    In the context of administration in India, several virtues are particularly essential for administrators to effectively serve the public interest and uphold ethical standards:

    1. Integrity: Administrators should demonstrate honesty, transparency, and adherence to ethical principles in their decision-making and actions.
    2. Justice: Fairness and impartiality are crucial virtues for administrators to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities among citizens.
    3. Courage: Administrators may face pressures or risks in making decisions that uphold the public good. Courage enables them to act ethically despite potential challenges.
    4. Prudence: Practical wisdom or prudence helps administrators navigate complex situations and make sound judgments that consider long-term consequences and the well-being of all stakeholders.
    5. Empathy and Compassion: Understanding the needs and perspectives of citizens and demonstrating empathy and compassion in policymaking and public service are vital for effective administration.
    6. Accountability: Taking responsibility for one’s decisions and actions, and being accountable to the public and institutions, is essential in fostering trust and legitimacy.
    7. Respect for Rule of Law: Upholding the rule of law and respecting legal norms and procedures ensure that administrators act within ethical and legal boundaries.
    8. Leadership: Inspiring trust, motivating others, and leading by example are qualities that enable administrators to foster a culture of ethical behavior and high standards of governance.
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