ETHICS INTEGRITY & APTITUDEMAINS WORKBOOK (GS 4)

Ethics and Integrity under General Studies 4 holds immense signifi cance in UPSC mains preparation. It gives candidate scope to ponder over the various ethical rules and principles, dilemmas, rightful conduct, justice, honesty etc. UPSC demands understanding and practical application of such concepts related to Ethics as well as implementation in real life situations where a bureaucrats faces dilemmasGS Score Ethics Workbook covers both these aspects; it helps in conceptual understanding of various concepts and issues as well as case studies to cover most crucial aspect of syllabus.

How will the workbook help students? It will help in proper understanding of the subject and in addressing the demands of the question skillfully. It is designed in a manner that student will learn application of concepts and effective coverage of syllabus through question and answer format. To gain maximum out of it student must fi rst attempt each of the set on own and then compare with model hints given. Such an exercise will help in answer writing practice and in enrichment of answers.

The GS SCORE Ethics Workbook consist of questions from the following topics:

Section A: 10 Sets Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

Attitude: content, structure, function; its infl uence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social infl uence and persuasion.

(Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non- partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

Section B: 11 Sets

Case Studies on above issues.

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ETHICS INTEGRITY & APTITUDE

WORKBOOKSET:1-10

QUESTION & ANSWER

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What is human dignity? Why maintenance of it has been incorporated in all religious Q1. texts as well as in our Constitution?

“Our duty is to encourage everyone in his struggle to live up to their own highest Q2. ideal, and strive at the same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the Truth”. What is the relevance of the statement for a pluralist and diverse society like India?

What is the best way to ignite hope and camaraderie in a country and its people? Q3. Should we base our hope only on good things happening around us? What is the role of hope in a society where ‘good things’ come only as an exception while ‘bad things’ are common place?

While acting for ‘change’ and ‘progress’, should we be disappointed because we can Q4. do too little? Give reasons in favors of your stand.

Answer the following questions related to the different ethical theories and their Q5. applications in the society:

What is ‘principle of ethical egoism’? Do you agree with the statement that ‘in (a) general, nature of human society, if not properly regulated, would result in a chaos and a state of war? Why ‘confl ict’ becomes a more natural outcome than ‘cooperation’ in modern societies?

How ‘social contract ethics’ differ from ‘natural laws ethics’? Which of the two is (b) better and why?

“What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong and there are no gray areas.”Comment Q6. critically on the practical dimensions of the statement.

Who is ‘common man’? Is it synonymous with the ‘weak’, the ‘deprived’ and the Q7. ‘hopeless’? Do you agree that the well-being of the common man is what good governance is all about? Can ordinary men deliver extraordinary outcomes to a system? If they can, how?

What is a role model? How are role models made? Illustrate and analyze how do role Q8. models infl uence virtues, morals and ethics in a society?

Are feelings and Conscience same thing?Q9.

ETHICS & HUMAN VALUE(SET-1)

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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What is trust? How is trust sustained? Why does trust matter in public relations as Q10. well as private relations?

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What is human dignity? Why maintenance of it has been incorporated in all 1. religious texts as well as in our Constitution?

(150 words)

APPROACH

Explain the meaning of human dignity. 1. (30 words)

Illustrate how this has been incorporated in major religious texts and in 2. (70 words)constitution.

Examine reasons of emphasis on human dignity. 3. (50 words)

HINTS

Human dignity can denote the special elevation of the human species, the special potentiality associated with rational humanity, or the basic entitlements of each individual. It is connected, variously, to ideas of sanctity, autonomy, personhood, fl ourishing, and self-respect. A characteristic expression is found in the Preamble of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) whose rights “derive from the inherent dignity of the human person” and whose animating principle is “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” It has the potential to bridge different fi elds of regulation—human rights, bioethics, humanitarian law, equality law and others.

Instances from religious texts and constitution:In Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India, the Supreme Court gave a new dimension to Art. 21 and held that the right to live is not merely a physical right but includes within its ambit the right to live with human dignity. Another broad formulation of the theme of life to dignity is to be found in Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India.

All religions recognize human beings as fundamentally equal, whether this is understood as a consequence of their status as children of God (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), of their manifestation of the Divine (Hinduism), or of their common original nature and desire for happiness (Buddhism). Respect for human dignity is, therefore, fundamental principle of all religions. With that equality comes a belief that all humans deserve a basic level of respect and dignity, regardless of their background.

A few of the verses in religious texts that speak to the Principle of Respect for Human Dignity include the following:

Islam: “We have indeed honored the descendants of Adam (i.e. Human beings).”

Christianity: “Do you not know that you are the Temple of God?”

Judaism: “So God created humanity in God’s image, in the image of God, God created them.”

Buddhism: “All sentient beings without exception have the Buddha-nature.”

Hinduism: “The human body is the temple of God.”

Conclusion:Human dignity, though held in Great Spirit since eternity, is being violated every day in today’s world. Be it rape, brutal police action, acid attacks, mob lynching, forced displacement etc., there is a long way to go before we reach the utopia of human dignity. But putting this on such a high pedestal at least gives us a sense of direction while making policies for societal functioning. Relating this with superhuman sources gives it timelessness and protection from authoritarian rulers or regressive societies.

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“Our duty is to encourage everyone in his struggle to live up to their own highest 2. ideal, and strive at the same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the Truth”. What is the relevance of the statement for a pluralist and diverse society like India?

(150 words)

APPROACH

Give brief introduction about the concept of ‘ideals’. 1. (30 words)

Explain in detail the meaning of the above statement in context of 2. (30 words)today’s world

Discuss the relevance of above statement for a pluralist and diverse 3. (60 words)society like India.

Conclusion 4. (30 words)

HINTS

Ideals in life denotes model of perfection or excellence. People make others as one’s ideal and get stick to the values and aspirations of it. This can be linked to ethics also as ethics are the rightness and wrongness in one’s human actions. These human actions are governed by one’s ideals.

Every man should take up his own ideal and endeavour to accomplish it. This is a surer way of progress than taking up other men’s ideals, which he can never hope to accomplish. All the men and women, in any society, are not of the same mind, capacity, or of the same power to do things; they must have different ideals, and we have no right to sneer at any ideal. This is in tune with basic equal moral worth of human beings and the idea of freedom of choice that springs from it.

Let everyone do the best he can for realising his own ideal. Nor is it right that I should be judged by your standard or you by mine. Getting stick to one’s ideal in life is correct but in the pluralistic society respecting others ideals is must.

In a country like India where there is so much diversity but still people are united. Every citizen should respect the diversity and help each other to attain their ideals. Thus the duty of every human being is to achieve inner freedom to make himself free from all boundations that create gap between human beings. If one imposes one’s own version of what is the good life, it amounts to violence in the realm of ideas. We know that there are various religions in India. Each religion has its own gods and sense of good and bad, permissible and impermissible. There is no way to resolve this debate except democratic dialogue. This is where we need to appreciate the existence of a constitutional version of a good public life. Our constitution gives space to competing versions of good.

There is diversity in culture, class and religion in Indian society therefore one should respect each other religion and should not compare the religion and their spiritual goals. Unity in variety is the plan of creation. However men and women may vary individually, there is unity in the background. The different individual characters and classes of men and women are natural variations in creation.

We ought not to judge people by the same standard or put the same ideal before them. Such a course creates only an unnatural struggle, and the result is that man begins to hate himself and is hindered from becoming religious and good. Thus, a sense of self control and tolerance should be inculcated in each individual so that he may respect the ideals and principles of others too to maintain a balance in the pluralistic and diverse society like India. Only thing that can resolve this debate is a fi rm commitment to truth and an attitude of openness in debate.

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What is the best way to ignite hope and camaraderie in a country and its people? 3. Should we base our hope only on good things happening around us? What is the role of hope in a society where ‘good things’ come only as an exception while ‘bad things’ are common place?

(150 words)

APPROACH

Give introduction by describing about the term hope. 1. (50 words)

Discuss in detail the best way to ignite hope and camaraderie in a country. 2. (50 words)

Explain in detail role of hope in a society. 3. (50 words)

HINTS

Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large. Hope is the mainspring of life. Without hope we become lost and have no direction. Hope is a universal human need and it is the fuel to keep us going. It’s the imagination to look beyond the bad things and see well in the future. As long as we hold onto hope, it’s amazing what we can do. People can make it through wars, disease, broken dreams and more. They not only can survive the worst this world can dole out, but they can even fl ourish – as long as they have hope. We have heard the stories of holocaust survivors. In their lives in concentration camps, only thing that kept them alive was hope of a life which will be good once they come out of concentration camps.

One cannot say that hope is based on only good things happening around us. Ironically, hope grows out of discontent. If we’re completely satisfi ed with the way things are, then there’s no need for hope. It’s the pain and disappointments of life that give birth to hope. Hope always looks to the future. If one looks only at bad things and gets bogged down by any possibility of anything better, then there won’t be any motivation to change the world for better. Hopeless people give in to ideologies like determinism and fatalism. They assume that things are doomed and there is no redemption. Hence, one must take a leap of faith where empirical evidences are totally contradictory.

Role of hope in a society:Hope makes us creative; it challenges us to discover strategies for survival through the use of commitment, connection and action. In the end, hope engenders faith. It forces us to think and act with a higher power in mind. Thus, through hope we discover faith and the pursuit of redemption. Hope sets us on a path toward attaining our goals; it helps us determine strategies for living and it transforms our will into action. And when all hope seems lost, faith asks us to look inward and to think differently. One can say that the hope is a mother of all virtues. It’s the foundation to the law of sustainability in any capacity – from an emotional strength. The only thing that keeps one going is this virtue.

In the society people face issues such as violence, theft, social downturn, etc. but these negativities should not overpower the individual’s positive thinking. The hope should be there that society in link with government will be able to solve it. The trust among people is must in society to help each other in moving out of the negative thoughts.

How to ignite hope and camaraderie in a country:The hope and camaraderie should be ignited by bringing awareness about the importance of unity and steps should be taken to maintain equality. To be effective, the cause of social service should be bigger than individual. A self-centered “cause” won’t work.

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In a country like India, unity is even more important. India has several different regions having their own cultures, language and living habits. While this diversity is a challenge to bring unity, they also provide us with a rich cultural history of love and peace. They endow us with a repository of experience, moral teachings, and actions of great men etc. to draw upon. Side by side, we have also created a constitutional ethos to bind people with a common minimum program of nation building and social change. Ethical leadership is also an important tool to foster sense of hope in people when masses feel directionless. Lee Kuan Yew, Pandit Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, Gandhi, Mandela etc. are such people who fostered hope, provided direction and guided people from a sink of darkness to a paradise of hope.

While acting for ‘change’ and ‘progress’, should we be disappointed because 4. we can do too little? Give reasons in favors of your stand.

(150 words)

APPROACH

Discuss briefl y about what all is needed in path of change and progress. 1. (75 words)

Establish signifi cance of hope and patience in the above process. 2. (75 words)

HINTS

The process of change in a large-scale system is a mix of art and science. It requires scientifi c principles to bring change and progress as well as requires social and human emotions for strong determination and will power. We should be never disappointed regarding the outcomes and efforts made in direction of change though we need to be self evaluator. This is because ‘change and progress’ is a two way phenomenon where people who want change and people who need to change both are involved. Hence there are limitations regarding what one can do. However it is important to be self evaluator about one’s own effort. But a system is “any collection of things that have some infl uence on one another.” If we take the example of Environment - Individual things like plants, people, schools, communities, and watersheds - are all systems of interrelated elements. All have well-defi ned niche and role in the maintenance of system whether small or big.Therefore, though we can be critical for our efforts made for change but we should not be disappointed. One should realize that system/society is like huge rocks and it has high inertia. Though it is diffi cult to move it at fi rst but once it starts moving it is self sustaining in its movement. Society is also similar once it starts to change, it is self-sustaining. Hence one should not be disappointed that he can do nothing big to change the system, even small and genuine steps can bring change.We can see such self-doubts, negativity and sense of hopelessness prevailing when people don’t see changes at expected rate. But we have also seen how leaders have kept preserving their energy and ideals amidst hopelessness. We can look how Gandhi persisted with the value of non-violence in a time when nobody was taking his ideals. But he understood the gap between ideals and reality and hence waited patiently. So, one must be humble while attempting to bring change. One must locate oneself in larger scheme of things and adopt the attitude of Nickâma Karma.

Answer the following questions related to the different ethical theories and 5. their applications in the society:

(300 words)

What is ‘principle of ethical egoism’? Do you agree with the statement that ‘in (a) general, nature of human society, if not properly regulated, would result in a chaos and a state of war? Why ‘confl ict’ becomes a more natural outcome than ‘cooperation’ in modern societies?

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APPROACH

Explain “principle of ethical egoism”. 1. (40 words)

Briefl y discuss Hobbesian explanation of ‘state of nature’. 2. (30 words)

Discuss how it leads to “confl ict” rather than “cooperation” in modern 3. (80 words)societies.

HINTS

Principle of ethical egoism:Ethical egoism is a normative theory, which states that moral agents ought to do what is in their own self-interest. Ethical egoism holds that actions whose consequences will benefi t the doer can be considered ethical. Ethical egoism does not, however, require moral agents to harm the interests and well-being of others when making moral deliberation. The human beings are both rational and social human being, but due to negative emotions and passions, the analytical and rational power of decision making reduces. Thus rules and regulations are needed to govern the human beings by guiding and taming their animal instinct of reckless pursuit of selfi sh interests. Otherwise they may end up violating the basic human rights of other people. This will also go against Kantian injunction about treatment of human beings as ends in themselves. The self-interest should not lead to harming the interests of others. There should be disciplined freedom.

Hobbesian State of Nature:The “natural condition of mankind” is what would exist if there were no government, no civilization, no laws, and no common power to restrain human nature. The state of nature is a “war of all against all,” in which human beings constantly seek to destroy each other in an incessant pursuit for power. Life in the state of nature is “nasty, brutish and short.” It is not a historical reality but a hypothetical construction. This is used to justify the origin of state as a provider of law and security by taming the destructive urges of human beings.

Hobbesian view and Confl ict and Cooperation in modern societies:Hobbes believed that human beings pursue their own self-interest relentlessly, mechanically avoiding pain and pursuing pleasure. In the state of nature, as Hobbes depicts it, humans intuitively desire to obtain as much power and “good” as they can, and there are no laws preventing them from harming or killing others to attain what they desire. Thus, the state of nature is a state of constant war, wherein humans live in perpetual fear of one another.

The dichotomy between cooperation and confl ict in the present era is visible. In the present era ending up in confl ict has become more diffi cult than following the path of cooperation. Cooperation allows people and groups to work together to achieve a common goal or derive mutual benefi ts. Cooperation allows participants to exchange valuable information that helps both sides improve their knowledge bases and work in a time- and resource-effi cient manner. But cooperation requires mutual understanding which due to less degree of cultural similarity within and between the same societies is leading to development of intolerance. Further cooperation requires rational decision making rather than emotional and abstract decision making and the capability of that is decreasing among people.

Cooperation is contingent upon regard for others interests also and is anti-thetical to a zero-sum mentality. It demands a common good approach. If each human being looks at other human being as a threat to one’s self-interest, then scope of cooperation shrinks. For instance, climate change is a crisis nobody can deny but cooperation to deal with is not as easy as seen during negotiations.

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Enlightened self-interest as a way out:It is apparent that Hobbes takes a grim view of human nature in suggesting that humans intuitively desire to obtain power. It is because Hobbes was articulating his political philosophy at the time of English civil war. But we also see how this view of Hobbes leads us into a world of war of all against all. So, if the guiding motivation of humans can be enlightened self-interest i.e. “self-Interest rightly understood”, the possibility of confl icts of interests can be reduced. Rather than creating a state having huge coercive power, if the inner motivation of humans can be worked upon by educating them of mutual dependence and need of harmony for greater common good, the dangers of a lawless society can be reduced. This is what Gandhi argues in his idea of Swaraj i.e. rule of self. Gandhi believed in reducing the need of state coercion to establish order and peace which is possible only if there is some other source of management of confl ict. Here comes the role of self-interest being brought in harmony with greater common good.This is also visible in various global initiatives like UN, Doctors without borders, Joint Disaster Management etc. Here, one sees that it is not right to categorically visualize human nature as Hobbes suggested. There is an element of reason also and a sensitivity towards common good. The need is to expand that space of cooperation.

How ‘social contract ethics’ differ from ‘natural laws ethics’? Which of the two is (b) better and why?

APPROACH

Explain “social contract ethics”. 1. (30 words)

Explain “natural law ethics”. 2. (30 words)

Compare, contrast and comment. 3. (90 words)

HINTS

Natural law ethics:According to natural law moral theory, the moral standards that govern human behavior are, in some sense, objectively derived from the nature of human beings and the nature of the world. Natural Law Ethics means that there are laws (natural laws) that are higher than human-made laws, because they are rooted in the very nature of humanity, which is universal to all societies. It states that some rights (natural rights) are bestowed on every human. They impose absolute limits on people to resist when it oversteps its proper moral bounds. Moral propositions have what is sometimes called objective standing in the sense that such propositions are the bearers of objective truth-value; that is, moral propositions can be objectively true or false. The core of natural law moral theory is the claim that standards of morality are in some sense derived from, or entailed by, the nature of the world and the nature of human beings. St. Thomas Aquinas, for example, identifi es the rational nature of human beings as that which defi nes moral law. On this common view, since human beings are by nature rational beings, it is morally appropriate that they should behave in a way that conforms to their rational nature. Thus, Aquinas derives the moral law from the nature of human beings (thus, “natural law”).

Social contract ethics:Social contract theory says that people live together in society in accordance with an agreement that establishes moral and political rules of behavior. Some people believe that if we live according to a social contract, we can live morally by our own choice and not because a divine being requires it. Social contract in which society comes to a collective understanding that it is in everyone’s interest to enforce rules that ensure safety and security for everyone, even the weakest. Thus, the social contract can deliver society from a state of nature to a fl ourishing society in which even the weak can survive. The degree to which society protects the weak may vary; however, in our society, we agree to the contract and need the contract to ensure security for all.

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The social contract is unwritten, and is inherited at birth. It dictates that we will not break laws or certain moral codes and, in exchange, we reap the benefi ts of our society, namely security, survival, education and other necessities needed to live.

Comparison between the two:Ethical theory based on natural law assumes that humans naturally strive to reach a state of peace and psychological contentment, unfettered by material concerns. It believes in an innate urge towards a moral life and existence of a priori rights that the society and state needs to defend whereas ethical theory based on Social Contract assumes that as the architect of moral principles is human being. Moreover, natural law theory aims at an objective and universal understanding of moral principles but social contract theory gives space to the context in which the contract is being negotiated.

While dependence on natural laws gives a solid bedrock to defend timeless and universal moral principles against any attack, social contract provides space to reconsider the moral principles based on needs of time and particular societies while being prone to attack by the totalitarian sovereign. While natural law identifi es commonality, social contract gives space to diversity. Former takes us to human rights while later takes us to multiculturalism.

“What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong and there are no gray 6. areas.”Comment critically on the practical dimensions of the statement.

(150 words)

APPROACH

Explain the injunction of this statement. 1. (75 words)

Critically refl ect upon it also. 2. (75 words)

HINTS

The statement suggests that there is no confusion to choose between right and wrong acts. It argues that debate around right and wrong is well settled and there can be absolute clarity about an act being right and wrong. Under ethical theories, it comes close to Kantian approach. This line of thinking rejects that right and wrong are conditional or contingent.

This however is generally not the case as there are many situations where a confl ict appears between right and wrong on the basis of perspective. For instance if someone wants to go home as soon as possible and couldn’t miss the train because his/her mother is sick and due to very long queue for train tickets he/she boards a train without ticket. Now can his/her act be considered as moral/right or immoral/wrong, it depends upon perspective? If one goes by Kantian reasoning, one won’t approve binding of laws in any situation. If one adopts consequential approach, one may approve. If we try to see from the perspective of law than that person is criminal and that is wrong, but at the same time when we see it from the perspective of human emotion and values then the same person appears to be correct because he was fulfi lling his/her duty for her/his mother.

Hence we can see that in such cases there is a live debate between right and wrong. When the balance is made between heart and mind then moral action is produced which gives a sense of satisfaction and inner happiness. Sticking to any way of reasoning once and for all makes one dogmatic. Ethical reasoning should be an on-going process.

There are situations where one faces crisis of conscience. It indicates that different role obligations demand different actions from the same person.

If one becomes adamant on one principle, one may unleash violence in dealing with human beings who are subjective beings. This attitude becomes totalitarian in nature.

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Conclusion:Thus, the demarcation between right and wrong is not that clear and rational mind can differentiate it properly as and when situation comes.

It would therefore be justifi ed to conclude that the mention statement is not valid for every situation and there are many situations where gray areas emerge between right and wrong.

Ultimate solution can be provided only by a refl ective, intelligent and wise human being who weighs on all aspects and then decides.

Who is ‘common man’? Is it synonymous with the ‘weak’, the ‘deprived’ and the 7. ‘hopeless’? Do you agree that the well-being of the common man is what good governance is all about? Can ordinary men deliver extraordinary outcomes to a system? If they can, how?

(180 words)

APPROACH

Give introduction by describing about who is Common man? 1. (30 words)

Discuss how common man is not synonymous with the weak, deprived 2. (60 words)and the hopeless.

Explain in detail that well being of the common man is one of the dimensions 3. (60 words)of good governance and how ordinary man can deliver extraordinary outcomes.

Conclusion 4. (30 words)

HINTS

Common man term is used for people; relating to, or affecting, a nation, state, or community living within a defi nite territory that composes the nation- state and participate in development of the nation. In a democratic setup, they are the major source of national power. They provide different services in an economy, wage war to defend the country, provide government etc. This is why our preamble starts with the phrase “We, the people”.

Since time eternity, it has been seen that every government has ruled in the name of ordinary common man but society has always remained divided between elite and masses. Not everybody is equally powerful. Whether it be economy, politics or culture, we have respective elites. Hence, it is not wrong to say that common man has come to be identifi ed with a weak and incapable man of our society who is at receiving end of dictates of powerful in the society.

But the paradox, especially in a democratic setup, is that this very common man is approached at the time of elections. Fate of government is decided by these men only. It is the state of our institutions that render these common men incapable in holding government accountable. They are not less capable per se but are made so by the crooked functioning of our society. This artifi cial inability makes them feel hopeless.

Common man being the one of the dimension of Good governanceGovernance usually plays a key role in the area like health, education, infrastructure, capital market regulation, macroeconomic stability, safety net provision, the legal system, creation of a good business environment, and the environment protection, all of which are preconditions and basic features of the developed economy. If government does these things well, the economy is likely to prosper and so the people. If government does

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them poorly- or makes matters worse through ineffi ciency and corruption- development is much more diffi cult to achieve and sustain. Good governance is one of the fundamental prerequisites for the successful socio-economic development in a country. Good governance maintains rule of law and provide the most vulnerable, the opportunities to participate in the process.

One of the components of good governance as stated by UNDP is participation of citizens in decision making. It is important to view them as active participants in governance since they have a legitimate role in infl uencing decision making processes that affect their lives, businesses and communities.

Every individual is important and has roles to maintain system whether small or big. A good initiative of a common man such as that Kailash Satyarthi (against child labor), Bezwada Wilson (against manual scavenging), etc have brought great change to the society. But it demands ethical competence also to undertake big tasks. A person who is indulging in material aspects of life only won’t be able to think beyond it. That ‘common man’ surely won’t be able to deliver outcomes as a system. It is not about one being elite but about one being visionary that can also make a man uncommon.

Conclusion:The engagement of common people can make government inclusive and responsive. Being bridge between government and common man civil society can aid in enhancing the effi ciency and productivity of governance.

What is a role model? How are role models made? Illustrate and analyze how do 8. role models infl uence virtues, morals and ethics in a society?

(150 words)

APPROACH

Explain signifi cance of role models in a society. 1. (100 words)

Add illustrations to demonstrate your arguments. 2. (50 words)

HINTS

Signifi cance of role models:A role model is a person whose behaviour, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people. True role models are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have and those who have affected us in a way that makes us want to be better people.

People who show passion for their work and have the capacity to motivate others with their passion, are other-focused as opposed to self-focused, have capability to handle adverse situations and live virtuous life become role models for others. Hence, role models are those who shows vision and strong relationship built on trust.

Role models are important because they help guide people in the right direction as they make life decisions, they provide inspiration and support when needed, and they provide examples of how to live a fulfi lling, happy life. When observing the behavior, decisions or actions of a role model, individuals learn how to display positive personality characteristics and moral traits.

Role models can be your parents, friends or any great personality. Generally people see role models in famous personalities. But more important is how an individual incorporate the qualities in one’s life by imitating the role models.

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Illustrating signifi cance of role models:Bhagat Singh has worked as role model for youth leaders in India since his historic hanging. People get inspired by his heroic portrait and his slogans of Inquilab Zindabad. He has become a synonym for sacrifi ce for motherland and fearlessness in the path of a noble cause.

Mahatma Gandhi is a role model for all peaceful social movements across the world and not only India. Great leaders have accepted the authority of Gandhi in opening an altogether new mode of struggle and by actually living the life based on his ideals.

Mark Zuckerberg has been a role model for all young people who want to do something of their own. Same applies to Steve Jobs.

In essence, role models serve as embodiment of certain ideals for us. It depends on what do we strive for. Accordingly, our role model changes. By living a certain kind of life, role models provide us with a map that we can also follow to become like our role models. They are basically an anchor point that hold us on path that we chose for our journey.

Are feelings and Conscience same thing? 9. (150 words)

APPROACH

Explain the terms “feelings” and “conscience”. 1. (80 words)

See how they are formed and act as source of ethical guidance. (70 words)2.

HINTS

Feelings are the conscious experience of emotional reactions. Originating in the neocortical regions of the brain, feelings are sparked by emotions and shaped by personal experiences, beliefs, memories, and thoughts linked to that particular emotion. All emotions tell us something about ourselves and our situation. We don’t have to dwell on your emotions or constantly talk about how you feel. Emotional awareness simply means recognizing, respecting, and accepting your feelings as they happen. It helps avoid knee jerk, unfounded reactions.

Our wounded feelings instantly let us know that we are off track in our thinking and/or behaviour. For example, if you tell yourself that you are bad, wrong, unworthy or unlovable, you will likely feel alone, shamed, depressed and/or empty inside. Feelings are always informational — a profound source of inner guidance. We must value your feelings and listen to what they are telling you, rather than ignoring and avoiding them.

How feelings are different from conscience?Feelings are mental experiences of body states, which arise as the brain interprets emotions, arising from the body’s responses to external stimuli. They are sparked by emotions and colored by the thoughts, memories, and images that have become subconsciously linked with that particular emotion. Feelings as stated are sparked by emotions, thus it differs case to case. The feelings get molded by day to day activities.

Whereas, Conscience is a special act of the mind that comes into being when the intellect passes judgment on the goodness or badness of a particular act. It is a practical judgment on particular, concrete, human actions based on ethical principle. It is universal as it teaches individual what it ought to do; and infl icts upon a painful feeling of self-reproach, when individuals do not follow it. Conscience is the voice in our head, and the feeling in your heart, that tells us if something is right or wrong. It is the voice of the inner self which says “yes” or “no” when we are involved in a moral struggle. It is an internal monitor. It is not a hunch or intuition but a source of ethical guidance that forms over time with knowledge, experience, and refl ection.

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Conclusion:A conscience which is both well-formed (shaped by education and experience) and well informed (aware of facts, evidence and so on) enables us to know ourselves and our world and act accordingly. Feelings also have similar roles. Hence, the wisdom lies in developing capacity to see which source of guidance to use when.

What is trust? How is trust sustained? Why does trust matter in public relations 10. as well as private relations?

(150 words)

APPROACH

Explain the meaning of trust. 1. (50 words)

Discuss how it works in personal and private relationships. 2. (100 words)

HINTS

Trust is a central part of all human relationships, including romantic partnerships, family life, business operations, politics, and medical practices. If you don’t trust your doctor or psychotherapist, for example, it is much harder to benefi t from their professional advice.

But what is trust? Here are some possibilities:

Trust is a set of behaviours, such as acting in ways that depend on another.1.

Trust is a belief in a probability that a person will behave in certain ways.2.

Trust is an abstract mental attitude toward a proposition that someone is dependable.3.

Trust is a feeling of confi dence and security that a partner cares.4.

Trust is a complex neural process that binds diverse representations into a semantic pointer that includes 5. emotions.

Everything is built on trust. To sustain trust one needs to practice core values, consistency faith in their professional and personal life.

Core Values lead to trusting relationships. Some examples are integrity, fairness, reliability, strength a. of conviction, and openness. When these actions are repeated time and time again, the relationship is strengthened and graduates to the next phase.

Consistency enables us to anticipate probable behavior and actions. It provides a certain degree of comfort b. that helps us to maintain the relationship even through diffi cult times, which is very foundation of trust.

Why trust in private and public life matters?Trust is important in public relations because it is the trust on public institutions and their offi cials which keeps the democratic process on the track and its smooth functioning. For example - the trust on SC and EC is increased whenever the offi cials in it show commitment towards the work they are mandated to do.

It is the trust on public relations that make the people feel safe and protected within their city, state or country. It is the trust on Indian Armed forces that is responsible for the sound sleeps of the nation instead of a hostile neighbour. It is the trust that is responsible for the welfare approach and development work that the state takes on to deliver after collecting revenue in the form of direct and indirect taxes.

Trust is basically responsible for every human transaction whether social, political, or economic. It is the trust on banking system that people are ready to deposit all of their saving or a major part of it and believe that they will be never cheated on

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Whereas Trust is also important in private life therefore in all private relationships, trust is the foundation. A relationship without trust results in opposition due to which the relationship itself gets shaken up. Trust creates a perfect setting for complete unity and cooperation and strong bonding among members. It brings transparency in relation

Conclusion:Private and personal relationship has its own irreplaceable value. Trust in private relation help in humanizing public relation so trust therefore becomes an indispensable part of our life and more so in public & private domain. Trust takes time to take its roots in our minds and relatively much less time to erode away. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each and every individual to keep the trust defi cit to minimum and possibly zero.

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