What is the role of compassion in ethical decision-making? Explain how it strengthens social trust.

 

Q7. What is the role of compassion in ethical decision-making? Explain how it strengthens social trust. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: TH

Why the question
Recent debates on values in governance and public service highlight how compassion shapes humane decisions and strengthens trust between citizens and institutions.

Key demand of the question
The question asks to explain the ethical role of compassion in guiding decision-making and to show how it contributes to building and sustaining social trust.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Define compassion as an ethical value and its significance in moral reasoning.

Body

  • Role of compassion in ethical decision-making -link with virtue ethics, public service values, and humane governance.
  • How compassion strengthens social trust – connect with inclusivity, legitimacy of institutions, and long-term harmony.

Conclusion
Give a forward-looking statement on embedding compassion into institutional ethics for a cohesive and humane society.