Ethics is not merely a matter of personal morality but a social necessity for sustaining trust. Elucidate this statement.

Q6. Ethics is not merely a matter of personal morality but a social necessity for sustaining trust. Elucidate this statement. (10 M)

Difficulty Level: Medium

Reference: InsightsIAS

Why the question
Tests understanding of ethics as a societal construct and its role in sustaining trust.

Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining how ethics goes beyond personal morality into the social domain. It also demands linking ethics with trust-building as an essential requirement for stable institutions and society.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction
Briefly define ethics as both personal and collective value system; connect it with trust as a basis of social order.

Body

  • Ethics beyond personal morality: Indicate how ethics evolves into shared norms and institutional values guiding collective behaviour.
  • Ethics as a social necessity for trust: Explain how ethical conduct sustains trust in institutions, governance, and social relations.

Conclusion
Highlight ethics as the foundation of trust-based governance and cohesive society with a forward-looking note.