[Mission 2023] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 1 December 2022

 

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

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General Studies – 1

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Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,

1. Explain the process behind a volcanic eruption. Why are some eruptions explosive in nature? What makes Hawaiian volcanoes different from other Volcanoes? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question:

Hawaii’s Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, began sending up fountains of glowing rock and spilling lava from fissures as its first eruption in nearly four decades began on Nov. 27, 2022.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the volcanic eruption, science behind their eruption and different nature of Hawaiian volcanoes.

Directive word: 

Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context.

Body:

First, write about the process of volcano formation – A volcano is a vent (opening) in the earth’s crust through which molten material erupts suddenly from a magma chamber below the surface. Due to very high temperatures, some rocks slowly melt and turn into a thick flowing matter known as magma. Since it is lighter than the solid rock around it, the magma rises and gets collected in magma chambers which eventually pushes through fissures and vents on the earth’s surface.

Next, write about the factors that make volcanic eruptions explosive in nature.

Next, write about the factors that make Hawaiian volcanoes different than the rest.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

A volcano is a rupture in the crust of a planetary-mass object, such as Earth, that allows hot lava, volcanic ash, and gases to escape from a magma chamber below the surface. The process is called Volcanism and has been ongoing on Earth since the initial stages of its evolution over 4 billion years ago.

Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano erupted after 38 years spewing ash and debris.

Body

Process behind a volcanic eruption

• Earth’s surface gets hotter the deeper one goes under the surface, towards its core.
• There is a term called geothermal gradient which is the amount that the Earth’s temperature increases with depth.
• Geothermal gradient indicates heat flowing from the Earth’s warm interior to its surface.
• This heat starts melting the rocks, at a certain depth which creates what geologists call ‘magma’.
• Magma is lighter than solid rock and hence it rises, collecting in magma chambers.
• These magma chambers have the potential to cause volcanic eruptions and are found at a relatively shallow depth, between 6-10 km under the surface.
• As magma builds up in these chambers, it forces its way up through cracks and fissures in Earth’s crust referred to as volcanic eruption.
• The magma that surfaces on the Earth’s crust is referred to as lava, this lava is explosive sometimes.
• Chambers, which have the potential to cause volcanic eruptions, are found at a relatively shallow depth, between six to ten km under the surface.
• As magma builds up in these chambers, it forces its way up through cracks and fissures in Earth’s crust. This is what we call a volcanic eruption. The magma that surfaces on the Earth’s crust is referred to as lava.

Hawaiian volcanoes differ from other Volcanoes

• The majority of volcanoes in the world form along the boundaries of Earth’s tectonic plates—massive expanses of our planet’s lithosphere that continually shift, bumping into one another.
• When tectonic plates collide, one often plunges deep below the other in what’s known as a subduction zone.
• As the descending landmass sinks deep into the Earth, temperatures and pressures climb, releasing water from the rocks.
• The water slightly reduces the melting point of the overlying rock, forming magma that can work its way to the surface—the spark of life to reawaken a slumbering volcano.
• Not all volcanoes are related to subduction, Another way volcanoes can form is what’s known as hotspot volcanism.
• In this situation, a zone of magmatic activity—or a hotspot—in the middle of a tectonic plate can push up through the crust to form a volcano.
• Although the hotspot itself is thought to be largely stationary, the tectonic plates continue their slow march, building a line of volcanoes or islands on the surface. This mechanism is thought to be behind the Hawaii volcanic chain.

Reasons behind some eruptions being explosive in nature

• Runny magma makes for less explosive volcanic eruptionsthat typically are less dangerous.
• Since the magma is runny, gasses are able to escape, leading to a steady but relatively gentle flow of lava out of the mouth of the volcano. The eruption at Mauna Loa is of this kind. 
• If magma is thick and sticky,it makes it harder for gasses to escape consistently. This leads to a build-up of pressure until a breaking point is reached.
• At this time, the gasses escape violently, all at once, causing an explosion.
• Lava blasts into the air, breaking apart into pieces called tephra. Mount Vesuvius, which obliterated the city of Pompeii, is an example of an explosive volcano.

Conclusion

Volcanoes have a huge impact on man and material as urbanization and globalization increases. The effects have impacts on flora, fauna and the global warming which can accelerate the climate change.

 

 

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General Studies – 2

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Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

2. Suggest reforms that are needed to make the Election Commission of India (ECI) more robust and to uphold its independence.  (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is examining a bunch of petitions recommending reforms in the process of appointment of members of the Election Commission. Their hearings have come not a moment too soon. It is hoped that the Bench will also examine electoral reforms suggested to governments by successive Election Commissions over the last two decades or so.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the issues in the functioning of ECI and suggest measures to overcome the same.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by writing about the aims and objectives of ECI.

Body:

First, write about the challenges and issues in the functioning of the ECI – Appointment issues, security of tenure, post-retirement appointment, financial autonomy, conflict between constitutional and legal powers and upholding its credibility etc.

Next, write about the reforms that are needed in order to resolve the above-mentioned issues and challenges.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a way forward.

Introduction

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India. Article 324 of the Constitution provides that the power of superintendence, direction and control of elections to parliament, state legislatures, the office of president of India and the office of vice-president of India shall be vested in the election commission. However, many criticisms have been levelled against the EC alleging partisan behaviour.

Body

Background

A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is examining a bunch of petitions recommending reforms in the process of appointment of members of the Election Commission. Their hearings have come not a moment too soon. It is hoped that the Bench will also examine electoral reforms suggested to governments by successive Election Commissions over the last two decades or so.

Criticism against Election commission

• The Election Commission is not only responsible for conducting free and fair elections, but it also renders a quasi-judicial function between the various political parties including the ruling government and other parties.
• In such circumstances, the Executive cannot be the sole participant in the appointment of members of the Election Commission as it gives unfettered discretion to the ruling party to choose someone whose loyalty to it is ensured and thereby renders the selection process vulnerable to manipulation.
• Article 324(2) as stated above states that the President shall, with aid and advice of Council of Ministers, appoint CEC and ECs, till Parliament enacts a law fixing the criteria for selection, conditions of service and tenure. But a law has not been enacted for the purpose so far.
• The appointment of members of the Election Commission on the whims and fancies of the Executive violates the very foundation on which it was created, thus, making the Commission a branch of the Executive.
• The recommendation to have a neutral collegium to fill up vacancies in the Election Commission have been given by several expert committees, commissions from 1975.
• The Election Commissioners don’t have the same constitutional protection (of removal by impeachment) as is accorded to the Chief Election Commissioner.
• ECI came under heavy criticism in 2019 Loksabha elections, for its delayed action against the ruling party candidates on account of violation of MCC such as use of Indian Army in political rallies.
• In the West Bengal elections, EC came under fire for 8 phase elections that also contributed to blow out of the pandemic.
• The Election Commission is vested with absolute powers under Article 324, but still has to act according to laws made by Parliament and it cannot transgress the same.
• g. Despite being the registering authority for political parties under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, it has no power to de-register them even for the gravest of violations. Money power needs to be curbed.
• Opposition leaders also accused EC of being a caged parrot due to its meek response to violations in recent state elections.

Way forward

• In 1990, the Dinesh Goswami Committee recommended effective consultation with neutral authorities like the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of the Opposition for the appointment in the Election Commission.
• In 1975, the Justice Tarkunde Committee recommended that the members of the Election Commission should be appointed by the President on the advice of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.
• 2nd ARC report recommended that collegium headed by the Prime Minister with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the Law Minister and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha as members should make recommendations for the consideration of the President for appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners
• Law Commission 255^thReport on Electoral Reforms: Strengthening the office of the Election Commission of India recommended Making the appointment process of the Election Commissioners and the CEC consultative
• Similar election and removal procedure for CEC and Ecs.
• Expenses of ECI must be charged expenditure on Consolidated Fund of India.
• While the Chief Election Commissioner should be appointed by a collegium, this must apply equally to the Election Commissioners. The collegium should be wide based.
• Strengthened now by a broad-based selection by the top constitutional luminaries of the country, the Election Commission must now equally be protected from arbitrary removal by a constitutional amendment that would ensure a removal process that currently applies only to the Chief Election Commissioner.

Conclusion

Deficiencies in the present system of appointment process needs to be removed. And adequate safeguards must be put into place to ensure that ethical and capable people head the concerned positions. There is a need for debate and discussions in the Parliament on the issue of independence of ECI and consequently passing of required legislation.

 

 

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General Studies – 3

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Topic:  Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

3. What is a Tobin tax? Do you think levying a Tobin tax for climate change loss and damage fund to raise money for development and climate finance a good way forward? Critically examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Live Mint  Investopedia

Why the question:

In 1972, Nobel laureate James Tobin had suggested what came to be known as the Tobin tax. In essence, it would be an obligation on financial institutions to pay a cess on their currency transactions, but not investment flows. The ultimate aim would be to raise money for development and climate finance and make a sustainable economic recovery more feasible.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about Tobin tax and its efficacy in raising money for climate finance.

Directive word: 

Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining Tobin tax.

Body:

First, write about the objectives behind Tobin tax and how it works. Substantiate by citing an example.

Next, write about the efficacy if imposing a Tobin Tax for the climate change loss and damage fund. Mention the pros and cons of the both, opportunities and hindrances to levy the tax.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward and balanced opinion on Tobin tax and its efficacy in raising money for climate finance.

Introduction

In 1972, Nobel laureate James Tobin had suggested what came to be known as the Tobin tax. In essence, it would be an obligation on financial institutions to pay a cess on their currency transactions, but not investment flows. The ultimate aim would be to raise money for development and climate finance and make a sustainable economic recovery more feasible.

Body

About Tobin tax

• The currency transactions tax does not impact long-term investments.
• It is only imposed on the excessive flow of money that moves regularly between financial markets through the actions of speculators in search of high short-term interest rates.
• The tax is paid by banks and financial institutions that profit from market volatility by taking excessive short-term speculative positions in the currency markets.

Tobin tax for climate change loss and damage

• The daily global currency trade is worth $6 trillion In this context, a Tobin tax that would be levied on spot currency transactions appears very desirable.
• Even at a nominal rate of 25%, the tax could annually raise $4.5 trillion globally.
• This significant amount can fund sustainable development goals (SDGs) and easily enable climate adaptation and mitigation for developing countries.
• Such capital will also be more resilient, given that recessionary conditions do not gravely affect foreign exchange markets, at least in comparison with global stock and bond markets.
• Introducing a Tobin tax will not only help in raising resources, but also help financial regulators track global currency flows.
• This is analogous to the desire for greater transparency and equity that led to sweeping reforms in the global tax architecture through the G20-led global minimum corporate tax.
• It also tells us that the G20 would be the best forum to drive momentum on this issue.

Way forward

• In this regard, India can galvanize much needed support for a global Tobin tax by making it a part of its G20 agenda.
• A consensus at the G20 will in turn lead to greater acceptance by the international community at large, and remove problems that could arise from a unilateral or limited imposition of this tax.
• Specifically, India with a daily foreign exchange turnover of almost $33 billion, should provide the primary impetus to this proposition.
• Further, given India’s interest in finding international coherence around the regulation of crypto assets, a global Tobin tax applicable to such digital assets could be a great starting point.

Conclusion

Renewed expressions of support for this tax are required from governments, non-governmental organizations and also civil society. A modern and resilient international financial architecture that is responsive to the needs of the hour can ensure environmentally sound and equitable development for future generations.

 

Topic: money laundering and its prevention.

4. Cryptocurrencies can make it easy to obscure the source of criminal proceeds and are increasingly becoming the preferred currency because cryptocurrency offers a combination of anonymity, ease of use and the ability to circumvent international borders and regulations, in essence, to launder the ill-gotten proceeds. Examine. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 (Revision) Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about how cryptocurrency has facilitated money laundering and measures needed to prevent it.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start by giving context regarding the challenges posed by cryptocurrency.

Body:

First, explain in detail as to how crypto can facilitate money laundering and challenges it poses for the enforcement agencies to tack and analyse it.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to ensure this growing technology is regulated and challenges associated with it are overcome.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising.

Introduction

Cryptocurrencies can make it easier for fraudsters to obscure the source of criminal proceeds and are increasingly becoming the preferred currency of cybercriminals, from purchasing illicit goods using Bitcoin as a payment method to ransomware attacks where payments by Bitcoin are demanded. This trend is more prevalent because cryptocurrency offers a combination of anonymity, ease of use and the ability to circumvent international borders and regulations, in essence, to launder the ill-gotten proceeds.

Body

Cryptocurrency as a source of criminal activity

• Criminals open online accounts with digital currency exchanges, which accept fiat currency from traditional bank accounts. Then, they start a ‘cleansing’ process (mixing and layering), i.e., moving money into the cryptocurrency system by using mixers, tumblers, and chain hopping (also called cross-currency). Money is moved from one cryptocurrency into another, across digital currency exchanges — the less-regulated the better — to create a money trail that is almost impossible to track.
• According to the “Cryptocurrency Anti-Money Laundering Report,” criminals also use theft and gambling to launder cryptocurrencies.
• Creation of Dark Web or Dark Market which cause it to exploit users through hacking.
• With a market capitalization of $350 billion, bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency in the world. A distinctive feature of bitcoin is that a record of all transactions is held in a public ledger maintained simultaneously across thousands of computers. As per bitcoin proponents, the latter are prone to manipulation or hacking.
• Cryptocurrency does not have any legal tender. So, it cannot be authorized and can be subscribed by anyone which results in money laundering.
• Since it doesn’t have regulatory authority, it is easy to trade between countries and can cause money laundering in disguise of trading.

Cryptocurrency shielding criminal activity

• Layering: Cryptocurrencies can be purchased with cash (fiat) or other types of crypto (altcoin). Online cryptocurrency trading markets (exchanges) have varying levels of compliance with regulations regarding financial transactions. Legitimate exchanges follow regulatory requirements for identity verification and sourcing of funds and are Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliant. Other exchanges are not as AML compliant. This vulnerability is where most transactions related to bitcoin money laundering take place.
• Hiding: Crypto-based transactions can generally be followed via the blockchain. However, once a dirty cryptocurrency is in play, criminals can use an anonymizing service to hide the funds’ source, breaking the links between bitcoin transactions. This can be accomplished both on regular crypto exchanges or by participating in an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), where using one type of coin to pay for another type, can obfuscate the digital currency’s origin.
• Integration: The point at which you can no longer easily trace dirty currency back to criminal activity is the integration point – the final phase of currency laundering. Despite the currency no longer being directly tied to crime, money launderers still need a way to explain how they came into possession of the currency. Integration is that explanation. A simple method of legitimizing the illicit income is to present it as the result of a profitable venture or other currency appreciation. This can be very hard to disprove in a market when the value of any given altcoin can change by the second.
• Tumblers: Mixing services, known as “tumblers,” can effectively split up the dirty cryptocurrency. Tumblers send it through a series of various addresses, then recombine it. The reassembly results in a new, “clean” total (less any service fees, which can often be substantial.
• Unregulated Exchanges: Another avenue through which criminals can undertake bitcoin money laundering is unregulated cryptocurrency exchanges.
• Peer to Peer: To lower bitcoin money laundering risk, many criminals turn to decentralized peer-to-peer networks which are frequently international. Here, they can often use unsuspecting third parties to send funds on their way to the next destination.
• Gaming site: Online gambling and gaming through sites that accept bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies is another way to conduct a crypto money-laundering scheme. Crypto can be used to buy credit or virtual chips which users can cash out again after just a few small transactions.

Conclusion and way forward

• Regulation is the Solution: Regulation is needed to prevent serious problems, to ensure that cryptocurrencies are not misused, and to protect unsuspecting investors from excessive market volatility and possible scams.
  The regulation needs to be clear, transparent, coherent and animated by a vision of what it seeks to achieve.
• Clarity on Crypto-currency definition: A legal and regulatory framework must first define crypto-currencies as securities or other financial instruments under the relevant national laws and identify the regulatory authority in charge.
• Strong KYC Norms: Instead of a complete prohibition on cryptocurrencies, the government shall rather regulate the trading of cryptocurrencies by including stringent KYC norms, reporting and taxability.
• Ensuring Transparency: Record keeping, inspections, independent audits, investor grievance redressal and dispute resolution may also be considered to address concerns around transparency, information availability and consumer protection.
• Igniting the Entrepreneurial Wave: Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain technology can reignite the entrepreneurial wave in India’s start up ecosystem and create job opportunities across different levels, from blockchain developers to designers, project managers, business analysts, promoters and marketers.

 

Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

5. Do you think that the Border Security Force (BSF) is well equipped to deal with illegal migration and cross-border crimes? State your opinion. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Insights on India

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 (Revision) Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about the efficacy of BSF in dealing with illegal migration and cross-border crimes.

Directive word: 

Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by mentioning the objectives of BSF.

Body:

First, give a profile of BSF deployment across India’s borders and their responsibilities.

Next, write about the successes and limitations of BSF in dealing with major security issues such as – illegal migration, trafficking in person and narcotics as well as smuggling in fake Indian currency notes. Cite examples and facts.

Next, write about the measures that are needed to enhance the capacity of the BSF.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

The Border Security Force (BSF) is India’s principal border guarding force, entrusted with securing the country’s international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Until 1965, India’s borders with Pakistan were patrolled by police personnel from Indian states that bordered Pakistan. The committee of secretaries established in the aftermath of the 1965 Indo-Pak War suggested the creation of a specialised centrally controlled Border Security Force that would be equipped and trained to patrol the International Border with Pakistan. As a result, on December 1, 1965, the Border Security Force (BSF) was established.

Body

Background

The BSF was raised in 1965, after the India-Pakistan war. It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces of the Union of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The 2.65-lakh force is deployed along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders. It is deployed on Indo-Pakistan International Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, Line of Control (LoC) along with Indian Army and in Anti-Naxal Operations.

Role of the BSF

The role of the BSF is distinct during times of peace and war.

• During peacetime, its duties include:
  • Preventing cross-border crimes and unlawful entry into or exit from the territory of India.
  • Preventing any illegal activities like smuggling across the borders.
  • Encourage a feeling of security among the people residing in the border areas.
  • To help state and union territory administration in the maintenance of law and order and with anti-insurgency operations.
• During wartime, its duties include:
  • Defending important installations of the country, particularly airfields, from enemy commandos, paratroopers, or raids, in less-threatened sectors as long as the situation is within the BSF’s competence.
  • Keeping prisoners of war safe. Maintaining law and order in enemy areas under Army control, taking limited aggressive action against enemy irregular elements or paramilitary formations if necessary.

Significance and function of Border Security Force

• BSF has been defending Sir Creek in Arabian Sea and Sundarban delta in the Bay of Bengal with its state of art fleet of Water Crafts.
• BSF has an instrumental role in helping state administration in maintaining Law and Order and conducting peaceful elections.
• BSF has been crusading against natural calamity to save precious human lives as and when warranted.
• It contributes dedicated services to the UN peacekeeping Mission by sending a large contingent of its trained manpower every year.
• It has been termed as the First Line of Defence of Indian Territories.
• BSF and internal security duties: While border protection has been the primary duty of BSF, it has also been deployed for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in troubled areas of the country like J&K, NE states and Naxal-hit areas.
  • These forces have also been utilized for tasks like conducting elections peacefully, VIP security, riot, and crowd control.
• BSF and disaster management: BSF also plays an important role in disaster management. Some of the battalions of BSF trained in disaster management activities were part of the National Disaster Response force. For example, during the Gujarat earthquake in 2001, BSF was the first to reach out to help the distressed people.

Conclusion

During the Kargil conflict in 1999, the BSF remained on the heights of the mountains and defended the integrity of the country with all the might at its command in unison with the Army. Thus, with a wide set of responsibilities and variety of roles under its belt, BSF helps in maintaining the integrity and security of India.

 

 

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General Studies – 4

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Topic: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics.

6. Is it ethical to lie to achieve an altruistic outcome for a considerable number of people?

Difficulty level: Moderate

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-2023 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Define as to what constitutes a falsehood which has good outcome with an example.

Body:

In the first part, examine the nature of white lies and analyse the concept using various ethical theories and thinkers. Give examples to substantiate your arguments.

In the next part, give situations where it would be okay to use white lies and situations where white lies would not be right.

Conclusion:

Pass a balanced judgement that usage of white lies is based on situation but all lies are a form of deception. It would not be okay to justify white lies ethically unless there exist extra-ordinary circumstances.

Introduction

When it comes to lies, the beneficiaries of one’s dishonesty play an important role in the decision‐making process. Altruistic lies that are made with the intention of benefiting others are a specific type of lies and very common in real life.

When is it right to prioritize another person’s feelings over truth? Say, if someone cooks something for you, and it just doesn’t taste good. Well, if they’re applying for cooking school somewhere, the prosocial thing is to be honest, so that they can improve. But if they just cooked it on their own just for you, then perhaps it’s better to lie and say it tastes good.

Body

Philosophical discourse on altruistic lies

Lying and deception may sometimes be morally permissible. Different moral theories have different opinions on this.

Utilitarianism would say that an action is permissible if the sum of the benefit it creates is greater than the sum of harm. Sometimes, lying or deception can be more beneficial than harmful: for example, if you deceive a burglar into believing that your house is protected by installing fake security cameras on the outside, then this is clearly a permissible deception.

“White lies” are another permissible form of lie. If you don’t want to visit your colleague this afternoon, you might tell them that you have another appointment, instead of telling them directly that you are bored in their company. In these cases, telling the truth would be more harmful than lying.

Kantian ethics (named after philosopher Immanuel Kant, 1724-1804) emphasises that we should always act rationally. This means that we should not choose actions that would become impossible or meaningless if everyone performed them. Lying, in any form and for any purpose, is such an action. Lying only works when everyone generally tends to tell the truth. If all people were lying, then nobody would believe anything they are told, and then lying would make no sense: lying is self-defeating.

Also, Kant says that we should treat other people as ends, meaning that we should always consider their wishes and choices and take them seriously, rather than merely using others for our own goals.

Conclusion

To summarise, one would be justified in lying if:

• The lie is performed in the expectation that it will cause more benefit than harm, all stakeholders considered (utilitarianism).
• The lie is a reaction to someone who first violates our humanity and dignity by treating us as mere means to their ends.
• The lie, in this particular situation, is an expression of virtue or promotes important virtues and is aimed at making us better and wiser persons.

 

Topic: Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour

7. What is the difference between attitude and behaviour? Why at times human beings display behaviour that is contrary to their attitudes?

Difficulty level: Tough

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Abstract Thursdays’ in Mission-202 Secure.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Start with defining Attitude and Behaviour.

Body:

Attitudes are views, beliefs, or evaluations of people about something (the attitude object). The attitude object can be a person, place, thing, ideology, or an event. Attitudes can be positive or negative

While attitude involves mind’s predisposition to certain ideas, values, people, systems, institutions; behaviour relates to the actual expression of feelings, action or inaction orally or/and through body language.

Explain that Difference between attitudes and behaviours is best described by cognitive dissonance theory.

Give examples to depict divergence in behaviour from attitude.

Conclusion:

Conclude with fair and balanced opinion.

Introduction

Attitude refers to a set of emotions, beliefs, and behaviors toward a particular object, person, thing, or event. Attitudes are often the result of experience or upbringing, and they can have a powerful influence over behaviour.

Behaviour is the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others. Hence, behaviour comprises of our actions with concern to the interactions or the relationships we maintain with the external environment.

The main difference between two is that behaviour is the reflection of one’s attitude towards something or someone.

Body:

Attitude guides an individual’s behavior

• Attitude is one of the main factors that trigger emotions, decision-making, thinking and behavior in an individual. Following are some examples of how attitude influence the behavior:
• A positive attitude can will lead to a positive behavior. Ex: A person who has positive attitudes towards work and co-workers (such as contentment, friendliness, etc.) can positively influence those around them.
• Similarly, negative attitude led to negative behavior. Ex: if a person has a negative attitude towards women, he will discriminate women in all fronts of life.
• A selfish attitude will guide individual’s action in same manner. Ex: A cricketer who put his self-interest and profit above the nation, will take money to lose the game.
• Logic or rational attitudes develop a rational behavior. Ex: a rational person will not act superstitiously and will always try to find rational behind any act.
• An egoistic attitude will result in a negative attitude and behavior. Ex: elder individuals control their younger siblings even if they are wrong to satisfy their ego of being elder.
• An attitude based on values and beliefs will act according to the values. Ex: in India touching feet of elders is guided by attitude of giving respect to them.

Conflicting attitudes and behaviours: Reasons

• Induced Compliance: If a person finds themselves in a situation where they have to do something that they don’t agree with, they’ll experience discomfort. Since they can’t escape the action, they attempt to re-establish their reasons for doing it in a way that makes the action acceptable.
• Decision-making: When we say “yes” to a choice, whether it’s as small as what to order for lunch or as big as where to live, we have to say “no” to something else. This can be a difficult decision when the choices feel equally good or equally bad.
  • To ease the psychological pain of rejecting one choice we often start justifying our decision.
• Effort: As human beings, we place a higher value on outcomes that took a significant amount of time, effort, or resources to achieve. That’s why we tend to associate cost with quality — we rationalize that “we get what we pay for.”
  • When the effort doesn’t seem to be “worth it,” we often make up reasons why it was better than the alternative.
• New information: In today’s world, we’re inundated with information. One thirty-second social media video can totally shift our perspective. This is exciting, because it means we’re always learning, but it can lead to cognitive dissonance.
• Addiction: As we mentioned earlier, many people know that smoking is harmful to their health — yet they continue to do it. Addiction is one of the most powerful causes of cognitive dissonance.

Conclusion

Becoming aware of the effect of cognitive dissonance on our decisions and understanding how we can overcome it can help us make better decisions and help us make positive behavior changes rather than continue lying to ourselves.

Value addition:

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