Ethics
Q1. “The pursuit to be ethical should be like a marathon and not a sprint.” Comment (10M)
Introduction:
Ethical conduct is a fundamental aspect of human behaviour, shaping interactions, decisions, and the overall fabric of society. Often, the journey towards ethical behaviour is likened to a marathon, highlighting the endurance, consistency, and long-term commitment it requires.
Body:
A Marathon of Ethical Pursuit:
- Endurance and consistency: Just as a marathon requires physical and mental endurance, ethical behaviour demands steadfastness and consistency in upholding principles even in challenging circumstances.
- Holistic transformation: Similar to a marathon, ethical development involves continuous self-awareness, learning, and growth, leading to a well-rounded ethical character.
- Long-term impact: In the marathon of ethical pursuit, the focus is on achieving the long-term goal of completing the race (like sustained positive impacts on individuals) rather than a quick victory of leading.
- Resilience and overcoming challenges: Ethical individuals encounter moral dilemmas and challenges that test their principles. The marathon-like pursuit of ethics encourages resilience and the ability to navigate complex ethical situations.
- Cultivating virtues: Just as marathon training cultivates virtues like discipline, dedication, and patience, ethical development nurtures qualities such as integrity, empathy, and respect.
- Societal Impact: Just as a marathon event can inspire and impact others, a sustained commitment to ethical behaviour sets a positive example for peers, colleagues, and society at large. It contributes to a culture of integrity and encourages others to follow suit.
- Example: Environmental Conservation movement has been a marathon in bringing structural changes in national and international spheres in the last 50 years.
However, a sprint-like approach is not without merits:
- Immediate responses: In certain situations, like of disaster, crime, or error; a swift response may be necessary to address urgent ethical concerns.
- Crisis management: Like a sprinter accelerates to overcome obstacles, a rapid ethical intervention can effectively manage crisis situations, minimizing negative repercussions and restoring trust.
- Adaptability: Similar to a sprinter, adopting a nimble approach to ethics allows for adaptability in rapidly changing contexts, ensuring alignment with evolving values and expectations.
- Public Awareness: A sprint-like action can draw attention to critical ethical issues, raising awareness and initiating discussions that prompt larger societal change. This was visible in India during anti-corruption movement, Nirbhaya case et al.
Conclusion:
In the pursuit of ethics, whether it be a marathon or a sprint, what truly matters is the dedication to upholding values and making a positive impact. Both approaches offer valuable insights: the marathon represents the endurance to bring about lasting change, while the sprint showcases the significance of timely action. It is necessary to uphold deontological ethics to keep the “means” of our acts “clean” to traverse the journey of ethical pursuit in life.
Q2. Can ethical egoism promote welfare when adopted by government in its policies and programmes? Examine (10M)
Introduction:
Ethical egoism is a moral theory that asserts individuals should act in their own self-interest, aiming to maximize their own well-being. When applied to government policies and programs, the question arises whether this philosophy can lead to overall welfare or if it might have potential drawbacks.
Body:
Positives of ethical egoism in welfare:
- Individual empowerment and responsibility: Ethical egoism promotes individual empowerment, encouraging citizens to take responsibility for their well-being.
- Efficiency and innovation: Ethical egoism can lead to the pursuit of efficiency and innovation as individuals and businesses strive to maximize their own interests.
- Promotion of economic growth: Ethical egoism in government policies may lead to a focus on economic growth and development, which can benefit the entire society.
- Incentives for personal development: By focusing on their own well-being, individuals may invest in education, skills development, and self-improvement, leading to a more capable and skilled workforce. This contributes to human capital development, which is essential for a thriving economy.
Drawbacks:
- Neglect of public goods and social welfare: An exclusive focus on self-interest might result in neglecting public goods and services that are essential for the well-being of the entire society. Example: Drastic cuts in public healthcare spending to allocate more resources to profitable industries, leading to inadequate healthcare for vulnerable populations.
- Exacerbation of socio-economic inequality: Ethical egoism can exacerbate socioeconomic inequality as policies and decisions prioritize the interests of the wealthy over the needs of the less privileged. Example: Tax policies favouring the rich and reducing social welfare programs, leading to a concentration of wealth among a small portion of the population.
- Short-Term gain vs. Long-Term sustainability: Ethical egoism may encourage decisions that prioritize short-term gains at the expense of long-term societal well-being and environmental sustainability. Example: Overexploitation of natural resources for short-term profits, leading to environmental degradation and compromising the welfare of future generations.
- Undermining social cohesion and trust: An excessive pursuit of self-interest may erode social cohesion and trust among individuals, leading to a fragmented society.
Conclusion:
In summary, while ethical egoism may offer certain advantages in promoting personal growth and efficient resource allocation, it is accompanied by a range of drawbacks. Striking a balance between self-interest and the common good is crucial to avoid these negative consequences and ensure a more equitable and just society.
Follow us on our Official TELEGRAM Channel HERE
Subscribe to Our Official YouTube Channel HERE
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Follow our Twitter Account HERE
Follow our Instagram Account HERE
Follow us on LinkedIn: HERE
