Relevance : GS Paper IV
Theme of the Article
People with a political life must follow an ethic distinct from private morality.
Introduction
Though related, political, public and private morality are not identical.
Asoka’s Version of Ethics
- Neither hate speech nor speech glorifying oneself was acceptable as part of public morality.
- Ruler owed janahita and janasukham to his subjects.
- The political domain requires the impartial or just use of power for the good of all.
Hegel’s Version of Ethics
- Politicians have enduring consequences affecting the lives of large number of people. This brings with it enormous public responsibility.
- Powerful politicians must show great care and sensitivity to the appropriate use of force and violence.
Private and Political Morality
- It is wrong to think that moral scrupulousness in one’s private life automatically guarantees high moral stature in political life.
- A person who is profoundly moral in his private life may brazenly violate all norms of political morality.
Conclusion
It would be wonderful if our private and political moralities were perfectly aligned and we achieved the highest moral standards in both.
