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“Everything that has a price can have an equivalent in something else; yet, everything that is beyond all prices and so admits of no comparable has a Würde (Dignity)”. (Kant) Describe briefly the abuses of human dignity that are seen ...
“Without great love of self-righteousness, great self-examination, great obedience, great caution, and great effort, it is difficult to acquire this world and the next. Asoka’s Edict on Pillars
Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly introduce the significance of quotations from great thinkers. State that each quotation conveys important lessons relevant to the present context. Body Quotation 1: Abraham Lincoln Message: Power reveals true character. Examples: Politicians: Discuss how some prioritize personal gain over public service, referencing ...
What significance do you attach to each of the following quotations? a. “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.” -Potter Stewart (150 words) [UPSC 2022] b. “If a country is ...
a. “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.” - Potter Stewart This quotation emphasizes the fundamental distinction between legality and morality. Ethics often goes beyond mere compliance with laws and regulations; it involves making choices thRead more
a. “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.” – Potter Stewart
This quotation emphasizes the fundamental distinction between legality and morality. Ethics often goes beyond mere compliance with laws and regulations; it involves making choices that uphold moral principles. Potter Stewart suggests that having the legal right to perform an action does not necessarily make it ethical. For instance, a corporation might legally exploit tax loopholes to minimize its tax burden, but ethically, it may be seen as shirking its social responsibilities. Ethical decisions require individuals to consider the broader impact of their actions on others and society. Recent example: In the context of the Adani Group controversies, while some actions were legally permissible, there was significant debate over their ethical implications concerning environmental and social responsibilities.
b. “If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel that there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are father, mother and teacher.” – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam underscores the crucial role of family and educators in shaping an individual’s values and character. Fathers, mothers, and teachers are pivotal in instilling ethical values and a sense of integrity from a young age. Parents provide the foundational values and moral compass, while teachers reinforce these principles through education. For instance, the “Moral Science” curriculum in Indian schools is designed to instill ethical values among students. If these key societal members emphasize honesty and transparency, it can significantly contribute to a corruption-free society. Recent example: The emphasis on values-based education in schools, such as the introduction of “Value Education” programs, aims to build character and prevent future corruption.
c. “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.” – Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama encourages evaluating success not just by the achievements but by the sacrifices made to attain them. This perspective highlights that true success often involves personal cost and compromises. Success that is achieved by compromising values or harming others is less commendable. For example, whistleblowers often face significant personal and professional sacrifices, yet their actions are considered noble because they uphold ethical standards. Recent example: The Edward Snowden case, where Snowden sacrificed his career and personal freedom to expose governmental surveillance practices, illustrates this notion of success being measured by the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a higher ethical standard.
See lessRoadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Purpose: Introduce the significance of Buddha’s teachings in contemporary society. Thesis Statement: Buddha’s teachings offer timeless insights that guide individuals toward a fulfilling and ethical life. 2. Key Teachings of Buddha A. The Four Noble Truths Description: Framework for understanding ...
Model Answer Introduction Buddha's teachings are timeless and continue to be relevant today, as they provide guidance for living a happy and fulfilling life, both individually and collectively. The principles he laid out resonate deeply in contemporary society, addressing issues like suffering, ethiRead more
Buddha’s teachings are timeless and continue to be relevant today, as they provide guidance for living a happy and fulfilling life, both individually and collectively. The principles he laid out resonate deeply in contemporary society, addressing issues like suffering, ethical living, and mindfulness.
One of Buddha’s core teachings is the Four Noble Truths, which outline the nature of suffering and its cessation. The first truth acknowledges that suffering exists (Sangha, 2020). The second identifies craving as the root cause of suffering. The third asserts that it is possible to end suffering, and the fourth offers a path to achieve this (Bodhi, 1995). This framework is particularly relevant in today’s high-stress society, helping individuals confront and understand their challenges.
Buddha’s Eightfold Path serves as a practical guide to ethical living, encompassing right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration (Rahula, 1974). This holistic approach encourages individuals to cultivate virtues that foster personal and communal well-being, promoting harmony in diverse environments.
Buddha emphasized non-violence and compassion towards all beings. This principle is crucial in today’s world, where conflict and aggression often prevail. His teachings advocate for empathy and understanding, which align with the values expressed in India’s constitution and its commitment to peace (Gupta, 2019).
The teaching of impermanence reminds us to accept change, a vital lesson in a rapidly evolving world (Kabat-Zinn, 1990). Coupled with the practice of mindfulness, which promotes being present and aware, these teachings have gained traction in various sectors, including education and mental health, aiding people in coping with anxiety and stress.
Buddha’s teachings continue to inspire and guide people towards a more fulfilling and compassionate way of life, both in India and around the world. Their relevance in promoting ethical living, mindfulness, and compassion highlights their enduring significance in addressing contemporary issues.
See lessWhat do each of the following quotations mean to you? a. “Condemn none if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekanand ...
a. “Condemn none if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekanand Meaning and Interpretation: Swami Vivekanand’s quotation emphasizes compassion and non-judgment. It suggests that if we have the means to suRead more
a. “Condemn none if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekanand
Meaning and Interpretation: Swami Vivekanand’s quotation emphasizes compassion and non-judgment. It suggests that if we have the means to support or help others, we should do so without reservation. Condemning others is discouraged, as it is more constructive to offer assistance or, if that’s not possible, to at least wish them well and allow them to follow their own paths. This attitude fosters a spirit of empathy and kindness rather than criticism or hostility.
Recent Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and organizations stretched out their hands by providing aid, healthcare, and support to those in need. In contrast, simply criticizing the inadequate response of authorities or individuals, without contributing positively, would align with condemnation rather than helpful action.
Meaning and Interpretation: Gandhi’s quote suggests that personal self-discovery and fulfillment are best achieved through selfless service to others. By focusing on the needs of others and contributing to their well-being, one can gain a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s purpose. This process often leads to personal growth and a sense of inner satisfaction that comes from making a positive impact on the world.
Recent Example: The volunteer efforts during natural disasters, like the support provided to communities affected by recent floods or earthquakes, highlight this principle. Volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to help those in need often find a profound sense of purpose and identity through their selfless acts of service.
c. “A system of morality which is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception which has nothing sound in it and nothing true.” – Socrates
Meaning and Interpretation: Socrates argues that morality based solely on subjective emotions is flawed and unreliable. He believes that for moral systems to be valid, they must be grounded in objective and universal principles, rather than fluctuating personal feelings or cultural norms. Such a system lacks objectivity and consistency, rendering it an illusory and superficial approach to ethical issues.
Recent Example: The debate on moral relativism versus moral absolutism is relevant here. For instance, while social media platforms often reflect varying personal opinions on ethical issues, these emotional reactions can sometimes overshadow a more objective assessment of justice and fairness, such as in discussions about human rights abuses or legal reforms.
See lessनिम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक उद्धरण का आपके विचार से क्या अभिप्राय है ? a. “किसी की भर्त्सना नहीं कीजिए अगर आप मदद का हाथ आगे बढ़ा सकते हैं, तो ऐसा कीजिए । यदि नहीं तो आप हाथ जोड़िए, अपने बंधुओं को ...
a. “किसी की भर्त्सना नहीं कीजिए अगर आप मदद का हाथ आगे बढ़ा सकते हैं, तो ऐसा कीजिए। यदि नहीं तो आप हाथ जोड़िए, अपने बंधुओं को आशीर्वचन दीजिए और उन्हें अपने मार्ग पर जाने दीजिए।” – स्वामी विवेकानंद अभिप्राय और व्याख्या: स्वामी विवेकानंद का यह उद्धरण दया और सहानुभूति पर बल देता है। इसका तात्पर्य है किRead more
a. “किसी की भर्त्सना नहीं कीजिए अगर आप मदद का हाथ आगे बढ़ा सकते हैं, तो ऐसा कीजिए। यदि नहीं तो आप हाथ जोड़िए, अपने बंधुओं को आशीर्वचन दीजिए और उन्हें अपने मार्ग पर जाने दीजिए।” – स्वामी विवेकानंद
अभिप्राय और व्याख्या: स्वामी विवेकानंद का यह उद्धरण दया और सहानुभूति पर बल देता है। इसका तात्पर्य है कि यदि हमारे पास किसी की मदद करने की क्षमता है, तो हमें निस्वार्थ सहायता करनी चाहिए। यदि मदद करना संभव नहीं है, तो हमें विचारशीलता और अच्छे इरादों के साथ उन्हें उनके मार्ग पर चलने देना चाहिए। आलोचना और निंदा करने के बजाय, यह दृष्टिकोण सकारात्मक और समर्थनकारी रवैये को बढ़ावा देता है।
हालिया उदाहरण: कोविड-19 महामारी के दौरान, कई लोगों और संगठनों ने निस्वार्थ सहायता प्रदान की, जैसे कि चिकित्सा सहायता और राशन वितरण। इसके विपरीत, आलोचना और निंदा करने से अधिक लाभकारी था, जैसे कि सकारात्मक योगदान और सहायता प्रदान करना।
b. “स्वयं को खोजने का सर्वोत्तम मार्ग यह है कि अपने आप को अन्य की सेवा में खो दें।” – महात्मा गाँधी
अभिप्राय और व्याख्या: महात्मा गाँधी का यह उद्धरण यह दर्शाता है कि स्वयं की खोज और आत्म-साक्षात्कार सबसे अच्छा तब होता है जब हम दूसरों की सेवा में खुद को समर्पित कर देते हैं। दूसरों की भलाई के लिए काम करने से हमें अथाह संतोष और आत्मा की गहराई प्राप्त होती है, और यह हमें अपनी असली पहचान और उद्देश्य को जानने में मदद करता है।
हालिया उदाहरण: सामाजिक सेवा और स्वयंसेवा के प्रयास, जैसे कि प्राकृतिक आपदाओं के दौरान राहत कार्य और शिक्षा और स्वास्थ्य के क्षेत्रों में योगदान, इस उद्धरण की पुष्टि करते हैं। स्वयंसेवक जो दूसरों की सेवा में अपना समय और ऊर्जा लगाते हैं, वे अक्सर एक गहरा आंतरिक संतोष और जीवन की दिशा अनुभव करते हैं।
c. “नैतिकता की एक व्यवस्था जो कि सापेक्ष भावनात्मक मूल्यों पर आधारित है केवल एक भ्रांति है, एक अत्यंत अशिष्ट अवधारण जिसमें कुछ भी युक्तिसंगत नहीं है और न ही सत्य।” – सुकरात
अभिप्राय और व्याख्या: सुकरात का यह उद्धरण इस विचार को व्यक्त करता है कि नैतिकता यदि केवल व्यक्तिगत भावनाओं और सांस्कृतिक मान्यताओं पर निर्भर है, तो यह एक अस्थिर और भ्रामक प्रणाली होती है। वास्तविक नैतिकता को सार्वभौमिक और वस्तुनिष्ठ सिद्धांतों पर आधारित होना चाहिए, जो हर स्थिति में समान रूप से लागू हो।
हालिया उदाहरण: नैतिक सापेक्षवाद और नैतिक निरपेक्षता की बहस इस उद्धरण से संबंधित है। उदाहरण के लिए, मानवाधिकार के मुद्दों पर विभिन्न सांस्कृतिक दृष्टिकोण और व्यक्तिगत भावनाओं की बजाय एक सार्वभौमिक नैतिक मानक की आवश्यकता होती है, ताकि न्याय और समानता को सुनिश्चित किया जा सके।
See lessBeauty in character can be seen when there is holiness in the heart. When there is beauty in character, there is harmony in the home. When there is peace at home, there is order across the country. When the nation ...
Righteousness and Its Ripple Effect Righteousness in the Heart: When individuals uphold righteousness, their character reflects integrity and moral strength. For instance, Malala Yousafzai's commitment to education and gender equality exemplifies righteousness, inspiring global support for these cauRead more
Righteousness and Its Ripple Effect
Righteousness in the Heart:
When individuals uphold righteousness, their character reflects integrity and moral strength. For instance, Malala Yousafzai‘s commitment to education and gender equality exemplifies righteousness, inspiring global support for these causes.
Beauty in the Character:
A character shaped by righteousness fosters positive relationships and ethical behavior. Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, is admired for her compassionate leadership and transparency, demonstrating how moral character enhances public trust and respect.
Harmony in the Home:
When families embrace values of respect and understanding, it leads to a peaceful and supportive environment. For example, the Nordic countries, known for their strong social values and family support systems, showcase how harmonious family dynamics contribute to overall societal well-being.
Order in the Nation:
Countries with internal harmony often exhibit stability and good governance. Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness approach emphasizes well-being and social harmony, contributing to its stable and ordered society.
Peace in the World:
Orderly nations contribute to global peace and cooperation. The Paris Agreement on climate change is a testament to how nations committed to righteousness and order can collaborate towards a common global goal, ensuring environmental sustainability and international peace.
This interconnected process illustrates how individual values impact broader societal and global harmony, leading to a more peaceful world.
See lessWhat do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context? (150 words) [UPSC 2018] a. “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether ...
a. Abraham Lincoln’s Quote “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost every thing, especially of governmental policy, is an inseparable compoundRead more
a. Abraham Lincoln’s Quote
“The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject any thing, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost every thing, especially of governmental policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgment of the preponderance between them is continually demanded.”
In the current context, Lincoln’s quote is relevant in evaluating complex policies. For example, COVID-19 lockdowns had significant economic drawbacks but were crucial for controlling the spread of the virus. The key is to weigh the overall benefits against the negatives. Environmental regulations may limit industrial freedom but protect natural resources, showcasing a balance where the greater good is prioritized despite inherent trade-offs. This approach emphasizes that effective governance often requires nuanced decisions, balancing the mixed nature of most policies.
b. Mahatma Gandhi’s Quote
“Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.”
Gandhi’s quote highlights the importance of maintaining calm and open dialogue. In today’s highly polarized political climate, anger and intolerance often cloud discussions on sensitive issues like citizenship laws or farmers’ protests. Constructive dialogue and understanding require setting aside anger to engage in meaningful debate and find common ground. For instance, recent debates on social media often escalate into heated arguments, impeding rational discourse. Managing emotions and fostering tolerance is essential for effective problem-solving and societal harmony.
c. Tirukkural’s Quote
“Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.”
Tirukkural’s quote can be seen in practices where strategic simplifications are used for public benefit. For instance, during emergency situations like the Ukrainian war or COVID-19 pandemic, governments sometimes present a controlled narrative to avoid panic, even if it involves withholding some information. This approach aims to maintain public order and safety, reflecting the idea that minor distortions may be acceptable if they ensure the greater good. However, it is crucial that such practices are transparent and do not lead to long-term mistrust or harm.
See lessHow do you interpret each of the following quotes? (a) “Fyodor Dostoyevsky once said that it requires more than intelligence to act wisely.
Fyodor Dostoyevsky's quote, "It requires more than intelligence to act wisely," emphasizes that intelligence alone isn't sufficient for wise decision-making. Wisdom involves not just intellectual capability but also experience, empathy, emotional intelligence, and moral judgment. Acting wisely meansRead more
Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s quote, “It requires more than intelligence to act wisely,” emphasizes that intelligence alone isn’t sufficient for wise decision-making. Wisdom involves not just intellectual capability but also experience, empathy, emotional intelligence, and moral judgment. Acting wisely means considering the broader implications of one’s actions, understanding human nature, and making choices that reflect ethical principles and a deep understanding of life. In essence, Dostoyevsky suggests that true wisdom encompasses a blend of intellect and a nuanced understanding of the human condition.
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Kant’s philosophy beautifully captures the essence of human dignity. He argues that while everything with a price can be swapped for something else, dignity is priceless and irreplaceable. This simple yet often overlooked idea highlights the intrinsic worth of every individual, reminding us that eveRead more
Kant’s philosophy beautifully captures the essence of human dignity. He argues that while everything with a price can be swapped for something else, dignity is priceless and irreplaceable. This simple yet often overlooked idea highlights the intrinsic worth of every individual, reminding us that everyone deserves respect and moral consideration, no matter the circumstances.
Human dignity is a cornerstone of ethical living and social justice. It is a fundamental value that safeguards the respect, rights, and moral standing of individuals. Recognizing it means acknowledging that everyone deserves to be treated with compassion and equality, without discrimination or prejudice.
However, in Indian society, violations of human dignity are regrettably commonplace. Caste-based discrimination, older than even our capital Delhi, remains a significant issue where individuals from lower castes often face social exclusion and inequity. Gender inequality also manifests in various forms, from domestic violence to workplace discrimination, undermining the dignity of women and other gender minorities.
All of this, coupled with poverty and lack of access to essential resources like education and healthcare, strips many of their dignity. Child labor and human trafficking further illustrate the grim reality of dignity violations, where vulnerable individuals are exploited and deprived of their basic rights.
Basically, Kant’s concept of dignity highlights the invaluable nature of human worth but the persistent dignity violations in Indian society remind us of the urgent need to uphold and protect this fundamental human value for all.
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