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Home/upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers/Page 3

Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Khushi saini
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Khushi sainiLearner
Asked: June 14, 2024In:
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“The most gracious of virtues, compassion, is what moves the world.” – Kural, Tiruvalluvar (150 words)

upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers
  1. Prajwalika Sherpa
    Prajwalika Sherpa

    Compassion of one man can be the guiding light of another man's life... Compassion is the biggest virtue one can possess. It not only helps us as human beings be more emotionally aware but also connects us as species into a more intimate environment. Compassion as a term refers to understanding. ItRead more

    Compassion of one man can be the guiding light of another man’s life…
    Compassion is the biggest virtue one can possess. It not only helps us as human beings be more emotionally aware but also connects us as species into a more intimate environment. Compassion as a term refers to understanding. It is the emotion that evokes in us in the most dire situations. This virtue is important because it builds character. A compassionate person brings warmth into people’s lives and, in turn, helps uplift them. It is far greater than other virtues because it is what makes one a human being. Our ability to feel emotions and express them is what separates us from other things in the universe. One can not be “alive” if one does not feel. The bond we share with others through our vulnerability and our sensitivity exists due to compassion. If compassion ends, then so does our world. This is exactly why the importance of compassion, kindness, and empathy is highlighted upon.

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Umesh Singh
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Umesh SinghBegginer
Asked: June 13, 2024In:
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“A popular administration is merely a preface to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both, without public information and the means to acquire it.”-James Madison (Answer in 150words)

upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers
  1. Tina Singh
    Tina Singh Begginer

    Answer: A popular government is one, that is created by the people, for the people, and is subject to the will of the people. For the healthy functioning of a democratic setup, access to information is significant: It allows individuals to be informed about issues that affect their lives, such as puRead more

    Answer: A popular government is one, that is created by the people, for the people, and is subject to the will of the people. For the healthy functioning of a democratic setup, access to information is significant:

    • It allows individuals to be informed about issues that affect their lives, such as public policies, laws, and government decisions.
    • It enables them to make informed decisions about voting, participation in their community, and interest advocacy.
    • It allows citizens to hold the government accountable by making it easier for citizens to see how decisions are being made and how public resources are being used.
    • It helps protect citizens’ rights and freedoms by giving space to individuals to advocate for them.

    Without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, the popular government is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or both, because:

    • It is very difficult to expose abuses of power and corruption and prevent violations of individual rights in the absence of a transparent account of information to the citizens.
    • It affects the legitimacy of the government in the longer run because the lack of regular reporting and updates on government actions to the public affects their trust in the system.
    • Without means of holding the government accountable for its actions, the government tends to behave in a biased manner not paying attention to treating citizens equally as well as being responsive to the needs and concerns of the population and efficient in its operations.
    • Lack of popular information in the hands of the public prevents them from raising their concerns appropriately. Also, the government being opaque in its functioning may not include the diverse voices of a nation in their decision-making process rendering the popular nature of the government a farce.

    Moreover, this lack of trust, responsiveness, inclusivity, accountability, efficiency, and legitimacy results in nothing but a prologue to a tragedy as it leads to civic disengagement in the long run. The extent and quality of civic engagement is a key factor that determines the effectiveness of the popular government. In fact, the active participation of citizens or the lack of it is what supports or mars the progress of development programs and other policies and decides the success or failure of governance.

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Khushi saini
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Khushi sainiLearner
Asked: June 14, 2024In:
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“I see democracy as a system that affords the weak and the powerful equal opportunities.” Gandhi Mahatma (150 words)

upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers
  1. Devendra Singhal
    Devendra Singhal Begginer

    Answer: Mahatma Gandhi was in favor of a stateless society in which life becomes perfect, people never become hindrances to one one-other's routines, and; self-regulation, self-dependency, and mutual cooperation become essential in day-to-day human practices. Given the issues in trying to create sucRead more

    Answer: Mahatma Gandhi was in favor of a stateless society in which life becomes perfect, people never become hindrances to one one-other’s routines, and; self-regulation, self-dependency, and mutual cooperation become essential in day-to-day human practices. Given the issues in trying to create such an order, he supported and advocated democracy. Accepting democracy to be a great institution, Gandhiji laid stress on decreasing the possibility of its misuse. He called for its constant development on the basis of high human values.

    • He laid great stress on individual freedom in democracy. However, he realized that it is justice that along with freedom, provides adaptability, significance, and success to a democracy. Therefore, he advocated the importance and inevitability of social justice.
    • Mahatma Gandhi laid great stress on the decentralization of power to ensure the participation of each and everyone in political and economic spheres.
    • Moreover, on the strength of this participation, common men could also enjoy a standard of living, and along with intellectual growth, they could find a way to achieve equality in society.
    • Through his theory of trusteeship, he wished for healthy social relations among men and on the basis of them desired ending differences between owners and servants.
    • He wished to bring wealth and properties into the domain of Trusteeship with the sole purpose of self-sufficiency of each and every one by ascertaining the supply of essential commodities.

    Therefore, morality occupies a central place in Gandhi’s conception of democracy. It develops a sense of responsibility in human beings on the strength of which they go forward to protect, respect, and honour the rights of each other. Significance of the given quote in contemporary period In a democracy, we often observe that the rights of the weak are sometimes not honoured. For instance:

    • Tribal rights: The state may have, through statutes, ensured recognition of rights for tribals but its is argued by some that its implementation on ground is lacking. Tribals are prone to development induced displacement and additionally, their customary rights are often violated.
    • Fault lines in electoral democracy: Political parties, instead of taking the message of equality and brotherhood to the masses, often use sectarian/caste/regional differences for petty electoral benefits.
    • Social injustice: Despite provisions for economic and social upliftment of the weaker and vulnerable sections of the population, their educational status, standards of living and participation in decision-making are far from optimal.
    • Women representation: Despite the promises, the participation of women in institutions of power and the workforce leaves a lot to be desired.

    The remedy, therefore, is not avoidance of democracy but its constant development.

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Mona Singh
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Mona SinghBegginer
Asked: July 25, 2024In:
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How may ethical conundrums arise in daily life and be resolved using Gandhiji’s talisman?

upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers
  1. Lakshmi Devi
    Lakshmi Devi Begginer

    Gandhi ji's talisman says that 'whenever a person is in doubt, he/she should think whether her decision would empower or marginalize the poorest.' It serves as an effective yardstick to evaluate the relevance of our actions. It is perhaps the most important social thought relevant presently as it heRead more

    Gandhi ji’s talisman says that ‘whenever a person is in doubt, he/she should think whether her decision would empower or marginalize the poorest.’ It serves as an effective yardstick to evaluate the relevance of our actions. It is perhaps the most important social thought relevant presently as it helps in practicing the values of morality, empathy, compassion, integrity and honesty. Gandhi’s talisman can help resolve ethical dilemmas in general and day-to-day life in particular, in the following ways:

    • Resources utilization: All public resources must be utilized in a fair and transparent manner so that the benefit reaches to the more deserving section. For example, an affluent family may think to leave the subsidy on LPG and buy the gas at market price instead.
    • Self-interest vs Public benefit: At personal level, self-serving acts like tax evasion, littering in public places, practice of dowry, exploitation of women, nepotism can be avoided by following Gandhi ji’s talisman.
    • Responsible production: The talisman provides a set of ideals for businesses and industries that they should strive for ensuring greater inclusiveness in the society. They must ensure optimal working conditions and comply with social security legislations and promote sustainable development.
    • Conflict resolution: At societal level, it encourages altruism, compassion and communal harmony towards fellow human beings when encountered with negative vibes of hatred and violence. For example, during a protest against government inaction one must not destroy public utilities but rather sort out the issue through dialogue and other peaceful mechanism.
    • During crisis: When people face disasters such as COVID and everyone is exposed to unemployment crises, Gandhi ji’s talisman gives hopes so that people may come forward to help each other e.g. in terms of giving salaries to the maids who cannot come for work, or to provide baskets of basic necessities to weaker section of society.

    Resolving ethical dilemma requires clarity in thought process. Gandhiji’s talisman provides a line of thinking which involves keeping in mind interests of the marginalized. In this manner, this approach is of huge importance for a civil servant when it comes to resolving ethical dilemmas. In our day to day life, we face several situations such as leaving a seat to some old person or pregnant lady, or even at the time of giving moral education to children, or using natural resources such as water or electricity, Gandhiji’s talisman provides a guiding light. The essence of this talisman can also be observed in the philosophy of ‘Sarvodaya through Antyodaya’ (Development of all through development of the weakest) adopted by a welfare state during policy formulation.

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Kumudini Lakhia
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Kumudini LakhiaEnthusiast
Asked: January 22, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the quote by Cicero, explaining that it suggests legal norms and frameworks are often ineffective or disregarded during times of war. Define the role of laws in maintaining order, justice, and protecting human rights in ...

upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Human Rights Violations War often leads to significant human rights violations, where international laws protecting civilians and prisoners of war are disregarded. In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, over 15,000 children have been killed, highlighting the brutal consequences of war where lRead more

    Model Answer

    Human Rights Violations

    War often leads to significant human rights violations, where international laws protecting civilians and prisoners of war are disregarded. In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, over 15,000 children have been killed, highlighting the brutal consequences of war where legal protections are overlooked. Such violations occur despite conventions like the Geneva Conventions, which call for the protection of non-combatants.

    Lack of Accountability for War Crimes

    During wartime, accountability for war crimes often becomes elusive. For instance, the early days of the Ukraine war saw over 441 civilians killed by armed forces, potentially constituting war crimes, yet these acts often go unpunished due to the chaos of war and the difficulty of enforcing laws in conflict zones.

    Erosion of Civil Liberties

    Governments often use war as a pretext to curtail civil liberties, citing national security concerns. In Russia, more than 15,000 individuals were arrested for protesting against the war in Ukraine, a clear infringement on their right to free expression. This highlights the erosion of democratic freedoms during wartime.

    Compromised Military Ethics

    In war, ethical considerations are often sacrificed for military objectives. The destruction of cities like Marinka, Ukraine, where the military reduced a civilian-populated area to rubble for strategic gains, demonstrates the severe cost of prioritizing military success over moral principles .

    Inadequate International Oversight

    War zones are difficult for international bodies to monitor and intervene in. Agencies like the UN have faced significant challenges accessing and enforcing legal norms in Gaza, a conflict zone where humanitarian assistance and oversight are severely restricted .

    Conclusion

    While laws exist to regulate conduct during wartime, they are often undermined in practice. To protect human life, uphold justice, and minimize the devastating impacts of war, it is essential for international bodies to enforce these legal frameworks more effectively, even in conflict settings.

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Sattriya Barnali Kalita
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Sattriya Barnali KalitaLearner
Asked: January 20, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (Approx. 80-100 words) Introduce Kabir: Briefly introduce Kabir as a 15th-century mystic poet and saint, whose teachings transcend religious boundaries and emphasize the importance of personal spirituality, devotion, and inner transformation. Mention the relevance: Highlight that Kabir’s ...

upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Kabir Das, a 15th-century mystic poet and Bhakti saint, imparted teachings that continue to resonate deeply in the modern world. His life and wisdom offer essential moral guidance, aiding individuals in navigating contemporary challenges. 1. Self-Control in a Fast-Paced World Kabir emphRead more

    Model Answer

    Kabir Das, a 15th-century mystic poet and Bhakti saint, imparted teachings that continue to resonate deeply in the modern world. His life and wisdom offer essential moral guidance, aiding individuals in navigating contemporary challenges.

    1. Self-Control in a Fast-Paced World

    Kabir emphasized the value of emotional self-control. In today’s world, where impulsivity often leads to hasty decisions, his teachings remind us that true wealth lies in maintaining composure during both joyous and sorrowful times. Kabir’s advocacy for patience and balance is crucial for personal well-being and decision-making in today’s turbulent society.

    2. Social Awareness and Compassion

    Kabir’s rejection of religious dogmas and his call for compassion across all social classes highlight the importance of empathy. His teachings promote a sense of social justice, urging individuals to bridge divides based on caste, religion, or background. In an increasingly divided world, this message calls for unity and understanding.

    3. Value of Time and Personal Growth

    Kabir’s famous couplets about time being precious like diamonds urge modern individuals to use their time wisely. This teaching resonates in today’s fast-paced life, where distractions often waste valuable moments. His insistence on self-reflection and openness to feedback fosters personal growth and continuous learning, encouraging individuals to strive for betterment.

    Kabir’s teachings, rooted in humanity and ethical conduct, provide a moral framework that remains highly relevant for addressing contemporary challenges, shaping responsible citizens in the modern world.

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Umesh Singh
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Umesh SinghBegginer
Asked: June 13, 2024In:
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“One could almost call character the most powerful tool for persuasion.” – Aristotle (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers
  1. Tina Singh
    Tina Singh Begginer

    Answer: Persuasion is a technique of social influence. It believes in the voluntary adoption of the visions and ideas by the receivers. Aristotle highlighted three means of persuasion i.e., Ethos (character), Pathos (emotions), and Logos (logic). The first kind depends on the personal character of tRead more

    Answer: Persuasion is a technique of social influence. It believes in the voluntary adoption of the visions and ideas by the receivers. Aristotle highlighted three means of persuasion i.e., Ethos (character), Pathos (emotions), and Logos (logic). The first kind depends on the personal character of the speaker; the second on putting the audience into a certain frame of mind; and the third on the proof, or apparent proof, provided by the words of the speech itself. Character is believed to be the most effective means of persuasion as can be observed through the following examples:

    • In Mahabharata, the character of Dharamraja Yudhisthira lied to his Guru Dronacharya about the death of his son, Ashwathama. It was the persuasive power of his character, that made everyone including his Guru believe his statement. Thus, it was due to the persuasive power of character that even a lie became the truth.
    • Another prominent example from day-to-day life can be the advertisement industry, which utilizes the character of influential and credible celebrities like film stars, sports persons, etc. to persuade people to sell their products.
    • Further, the character of an individual plays a vital role in bringing social changes in society through persuasion. For instance, the efforts of Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar led to the abolition of the Sati system and the passing of the Hindu Widows’ Remarriage Act respectively.
    • On a larger scale, even a nation can be considered to have a character. A nation’s image/character is very important in global politics. It reflects the persuasive power of a nation over other nations on numerous social, economic, and political matters. For instance, India has an image of a nation that believes in peace and cooperation among all countries. It helped India get a waiver from the USA while signing the civil nuclear deal even without rectifying the Non- Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    The other ways of persuasion generally influence people for a temporary period of time and have no ripple effects. Conversely, persuasion based on character is considered to be long-lasting and permanent in nature and thus the most effective way of persuasion as it leads to the internalization of the qualities by the people.

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Sammi Bhargav
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Sammi BhargavBegginer
Asked: July 1, 2024In:
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“Acts of forgiveness are not one-time events. It is a persistent mindset.” Martin Luther King Jr. (Answer in 150 words)

upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers
  1. Rimjhim jain
    Rimjhim jain

    This quote convey a deep meaning that forgiveness should not be a choice it is a necessity for humans . Because if we don't forgive how we Live people live rest of thier life carrying the  burden of anger ,dissatisfaction and hatred but who suffer from that both will suffer from that if a person truRead more

    This quote convey a deep meaning that forgiveness should not be a choice it is a necessity for humans . Because if we don’t forgive how we Live people live rest of thier life carrying the  burden of anger ,dissatisfaction and hatred but who suffer from that both will suffer from that if a person truly loves you cares about you . To them your forgiveness matter . If you don’t forgive the person you will suffer from inner pain anger and hatred but forgiveness should not be a choice it should be a attitude because
    Relase burden from your heart :

    When we forgive someone we release the burden of hatred and self punishment from our shoulder because we are cursing ourselves to trust that person love them

    Improves relationships

    By forgiving eachother we are boosting our connection with the person because if we forgive someone they think that we understand them we understand their situation and sometimes a small incident like not forgiving some break relationship in one blink

    Improve mental health and shape positive mindset

    you understand that they are also humans in my perspective forgiving everyone is important because if I m not forgiving someone I m selfish because when I do something like that I will feel no one understands me and forgiving everyone will shape your thoughts and morals and you will develope a positive mindset. We all are humans all make mistakes we all deserve forgiveness so forgive everyone

     

     

     

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Team
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TeamSupreme
Asked: August 28, 2024In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Introduce John Rawls: Briefly mention his prominence as a political philosopher known for his work on social justice. Define Social Justice: Explain Rawls’s focus on distributive justice, which emphasizes fair distribution of social goods and resources. Thesis Statement: State ...

upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers
  1. Team
    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Introduction John Rawls, a renowned political philosopher, is celebrated for his theories on social justice and political liberalism. His ideas center around distributive justice, emphasizing the equitable distribution of social goods and resources among members of society. In the IndiaRead more

    Model Answer

    Introduction

    John Rawls, a renowned political philosopher, is celebrated for his theories on social justice and political liberalism. His ideas center around distributive justice, emphasizing the equitable distribution of social goods and resources among members of society. In the Indian context, Rawls’s principles offer valuable insights for addressing systemic inequalities.

    Body

    Principles of Justice

    Rawls proposes “justice as fairness,” which includes:

    1. Equal Basic Liberties: Ensuring fundamental rights for all individuals.
    2. Fair Equality of Opportunity: Providing everyone with equal chances to succeed.
    3. Difference Principle: Allowing inequalities only if they benefit the least advantaged.

    Example: The reservation system in India aims to provide educational and employment opportunities to historically marginalized communities, aligning with Rawls’s principle of fair equality of opportunity.

    Veil of Ignorance

    Rawls suggests that policies should be determined from an impartial standpoint, known as the “veil of ignorance,” where decision-makers are unaware of their societal positions.

    Example: The Right to Education Act (2009) guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, reflecting decisions made for the benefit of all children, regardless of socio-economic status.

    Redistribution of Resources

    Rawls advocates for resource redistribution to foster equity.

    Example: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provides 100 days of guaranteed employment annually to rural households, addressing poverty and inequality.

    Social Cooperation

    Rawls emphasizes social cooperation for justice.

    Example: The Self-Help Group (SHG) movement empowers women through collective action, fostering economic independence and community support.

    Human Rights and Social Justice

    Rawls insists on protecting human rights to achieve social justice.

    Example: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act safeguards marginalized groups, promoting equal treatment and addressing discrimination.

    Conclusion

    Rawls’s framework for social justice, emphasizing fair distribution and equality, can significantly contribute to building a more just society in India. By aligning policies with his principles, India can address systemic inequalities and enhance social cooperation, ultimately fostering a more equitable society.

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Darshan Suresh
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Darshan SureshBegginer
Asked: January 11, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction  Briefly introduce the Noble Eightfold Path and its importance in Buddhism. Mention its relevance in promoting ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, which can significantly benefit the public service sector in India. 2. Significance of the Eightfold Path  Right ...

upsc: moral thinkers & philosophers
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Significance of the 'Noble Eightfold Path' for Public Services in India The Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism, with its focus on ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, can play a significant role in the functioning of public services in India. The public sector is often faced wiRead more

    Model Answer

    Significance of the ‘Noble Eightfold Path’ for Public Services in India

    The Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism, with its focus on ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, can play a significant role in the functioning of public services in India. The public sector is often faced with challenges such as political interference, corruption, resource limitations, and lack of accountability, and the principles of the Eightfold Path can address these issues effectively.

    Right View: Holistic Perspective

    Public service requires understanding diverse perspectives and making informed decisions. Right view encourages public servants to see situations objectively, consider various viewpoints, and make decisions in the best interest of the public.

    Right Intention: Prioritizing Public Welfare

    Public servants must act with the correct intent, placing public welfare above personal gain. Right intention ensures that decisions are made with integrity and responsibility, fostering trust within the community and enhancing service delivery.

    Right Speech: Compassionate Communication

    Right speech emphasizes using honest, constructive, and respectful communication. Public servants can benefit from this principle by refraining from harsh speech, practicing diplomacy, and addressing issues with empathy and transparency.

    Right Action: Upholding Integrity

    Public servants must act in accordance with laws, ethics, and regulations. Right action reinforces the importance of integrity, equality, and honesty, helping to reduce corruption and ensuring responsible behavior.

    Right Livelihood: Ethical Profession

    Right livelihood encourages public servants to engage in professions that benefit society. This principle can help reduce corruption and unethical practices within the public sector by promoting responsible conduct and ensuring fairness in governance.

    Right Effort: Continuous Improvement

    Public servants should continually strive to improve public service delivery. Right effort focuses on enhancing efficiency, addressing inefficiencies, and delivering quality services that benefit society.

    Right Mindfulness: Awareness and Empathy

    Mindfulness ensures that public servants remain aware of the impact of their decisions on society. This principle enables them to empathize with the public, respond to challenges effectively, and make thoughtful decisions.

    Right Concentration: Focused Decision-Making

    Right concentration encourages public servants to stay focused and avoid distractions. It helps them tackle complex issues with clarity and make decisions that align with the long-term welfare of the public.

    By integrating these principles, public servants in India can contribute to achieving social justice, accountability, and public welfare, enhancing the overall functioning of government institutions.

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