"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."-Abraham Lincoln (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
Kumudini LakhiaEnthusiast
The Balancing Act: Good versus Evil in Our Actions
As multifactorial choices and complex issues abound, few know better than Abraham Lincoln the importance of getting this balance right. According to Lincoln, the real measure when deciding to accept, or reject anything, wasn’t whether it contained some evil but whether it contained more evil than good. Things can very rarely be all good or all bad. The most thing, in particular of states’ policy, is a combined inseparable compound of the two; so, that the best judgment of the preponderance between the two is continually required to us. This firm phrase captures a deep truth, which not only is true in governance but in life itself: the importance of weighing benefits against cost before taking any action.
The Complexity of Reality
In a perfect world, decisions would be easy. We would embrace only that which was unmistakably good and spurn that which was unmistakably evil. But real life is rarely so black-and-white. The vast majority of things, especially human institutions and policies, has at least some element of good, and some element of bad. A new economic policy, for example, may boost growth, but it may also increase income inequality. A health care reform could save lives, but also use up public resources. The difficulty is to assess whether the good is greater than the evil or the other way round.
The Role of Judgment
Lincoln’s scholarly catchphrase reinforces the need for the judgment in decision-making. It is not sufficient to acknowledge that something has both positive and negative aspects; one must also compare them. It calls for a measured and sophisticated examination of different points of view, possible consequences, and the larger background. In this sense, judgment is not a thing that happens but a process that continues. The balance between good and evil needs to be reassessed as new information is uncovered and the situation evolves.
Use in Governmental Policy
The principle is more relevant in the domain of governance. Policymakers frequently must make tough decisions that impact millions of lives. They have to weigh trade-offs among various policies, and on balance do what they believe is good for society. Lincoln faced wrenching decisions during the Civil War that involved moral as well as practical concerns. The Emancipation Proclamation would also increase the complexity and the magnitude of the conflict, and it also risked further straining the resources of the Union. Lincoln judged that the moral urgency of abolishing slavery trumped these risks.
In a similar manner, a government today may decide to instate a carbon tax to protect against the harm of climate change. Though such a tax could sharply cut greenhouse gas emissions, it would also raise the cost of living for low-income families. The government has to balance the environmental gains with the economic losses and determine whether the net effect is a positive one.
Individual and Moral Choices
The doctrine of balancing good and evil is not just about governmental policy. It applies to personal and ethical decisions as well. A person might have to think about whether to take a high-paying job that will take up all their time and damage their family life, for example. It’s a judgment of whether the financial gain surpasses the loss of human connection. Another is the medical professional faced with whether to administer a new treatment with the potential for great benefit and great risk. In this case, the weighing of the benefits and risks is key.
The Ethical Dilemma
Ethical dilemmas often especially become in conflict where good and evil are not clear at the edge. Such situations make decision making more complex. Think about artificial intelligence (AI) in health care, and its ethical ramifications. While AI is capable of enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes, it calls into question privacy, bias, and job displacement. Ethicists and policymakers need to carefully consider the benefits and dangers in this regard so the technology is used in a beneficial and harmless manner.
Conclusion
Always read and consider something before concluding because Abraham Lincoln once said, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” In a world where nothing is entirely good or entirely evil, our best judgment is needed to make choices that promote the greater good. The art of differentiating what is prudent decision making versus reckless or irresponsible behavior, whether in governance, business or even personal life – the ability to make the choice where the advantages outweigh the disadvantages – is a skill that can certainly help guide us through the many complexities of decision making today.
We can then make decisions about what we should do with our time accordingly, and take on roles in society that get us to work on new solutions to the crises we face instead of remaining stagnant and combating natural tendencies that are inherently part of life.
Model Answer
Introduction
Abraham Lincoln’s quote underscores the complexity of decision-making, particularly within government policy. He suggests that few things are entirely good or evil; instead, most are a blend of both. This perspective compels us to assess the balance of benefits and harms involved in any action.
Body
In today’s public administration, Lincoln’s insights are highly relevant. Policy decisions often have wide-ranging effects on diverse stakeholders, making it the responsibility of public servants to carefully evaluate the positive and negative aspects of each option.
Infrastructure Policy
For instance, consider a new infrastructure project, such as a dam. The government must weigh the benefits of generating clean energy against potential environmental damage and the impact on local communities’ livelihoods. A thorough cost-benefit analysis is essential to determine whether the project’s advantages outweigh its drawbacks.
Healthcare Policy
In the realm of healthcare, when crafting policies, governments must balance the advantages of providing affordable healthcare for all against the financial implications, such as the need for increased taxes. While universal healthcare could enhance public health, the economic burden on taxpayers is a significant consideration.
Environmental Policy
Similarly, when formulating environmental policies, the government must evaluate the benefits of conserving natural resources against the costs involved. For example, policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions might positively impact the environment, but they could also lead to higher energy costs, affecting both businesses and households.
Foreign Policy
In foreign relations, governments face the challenge of promoting democracy and human rights while considering the potential costs, such as economic sanctions or military intervention. Sanctions might advance democratic goals but can also lead to economic hardship for the affected nation’s citizens.
Conclusion
Lincoln’s quote serves as a reminder of the necessity for thoughtful decision-making that considers the potential costs and benefits of actions. By evaluating the preponderance of good versus evil, governments can make informed choices that prioritize the public interest and foster overall well-being.