ETHICS GLOSSARY WORDS
ETHICS GLOSSARY WORDS
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Our Ethics Glossary Words
1. Probity in Governance: The Foundation of Ethical Administration
Definition
Probity refers to absolute integrity, honesty, and adherence to ethical standards in governance. It is a crucial principle that ensures accountability, fairness, and transparency in public service.
Why is Probity Important in Governance?
Prevents corruption and nepotism.
Builds public trust in government institutions.
Ensures equal access to resources and opportunities.
Helps in policy implementation without bias.
Case Studies on Probity
- S. R. Sankaran (IAS Officer) – Known for his uncompromising stand against corruption and dedication to public welfare.
- Verghese Kurien & White Revolution – Demonstrated probity in leadership, making India a self-sufficient dairy nation.
Ethical Theories Linked to Probity
✔ Deontology (Duty-Based Ethics) – Probity follows Kant’s categorical imperative, meaning duty must be followed irrespective of consequences.
✔ Virtue Ethics (Aristotle) – A public servant with honesty and integrity naturally practices probity.
Answer Writing Tip
📝 Define probity and its principles clearly.
📊 Provide real-life government policies & case studies.
💡 Link with ethical theories (Deontology, Virtue Ethics, etc.).
✅ Example Question
Discuss the role of probity in governance and suggest measures to enhance it in public administration.
2. Emotional Intelligence (EI) in Civil Services: A Game-Changer
Definition
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and regulate emotions in oneself and others. Civil servants require high EI to handle stress, leadership challenges, and ethical dilemmas.
Components of Emotional Intelligence (Daniel Goleman’s Model)
✔ Self-Awareness – Understanding one’s emotions.
✔ Self-Regulation – Managing impulses and staying composed.
✔ Empathy – Recognizing others’ emotions and perspectives.
✔ Social Skills – Effective communication and teamwork.
✔ Motivation – Inner drive to perform duties ethically.
Why is EI Important for Civil Servants?
- Helps in handling public grievances effectively.
- Reduces bureaucratic arrogance and improves empathy.
- Aids in resolving conflicts and handling ethical dilemmas.
Real-Life Example
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam – Used high emotional intelligence to inspire youth and improve India’s space program.
Answer Writing Tip
📝 Define EI and its components.
📊 Use case studies of ethical leaders.
💡 Connect EI with conflict resolution & governance.
✅ Example Question
How does emotional intelligence contribute to ethical decision-making in public administration? Illustrate with examples.
3. Code of Conduct in Public Administration
Definition
A Code of Conduct is a formal set of guidelines and ethical principles that govern the behavior of public officials. It ensures accountability, discipline, and professionalism in administration.
Importance of Code of Conduct
✔ Prevents misuse of power.
✔ Sets ethical standards for civil servants.
✔ Reduces corruption and favoritism.
Examples of Code of Conduct in India
- All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 – Defines ethical responsibilities of IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.
- Model Code of Conduct by Election Commission – Ensures fair elections without political influence.
How to Write an Answer on Code of Conduct for UPSC?
📝 Define Code of Conduct and its role in administration.
📊 Provide government examples to support the answer.
💡 Link with ethical values like integrity, accountability, and transparency.
✅ Example Question
Discuss the role of the Code of Conduct in maintaining ethical public administration
4. Public Service Values & Their Impact on Governance
Definition
Public service values are ethical principles that guide civil servants in decision-making and governance. These values help maintain integrity, impartiality, and efficiency in administration.
Key Public Service Values
✔ Integrity – Being honest and morally upright in all decisions.
✔ Accountability – Answering for one’s actions and decisions.
✔ Transparency – Ensuring openness in governance.
✔ Empathy – Understanding and addressing the needs of the public.
✔ Commitment to Public Welfare – Putting the needs of citizens above personal or political interests.
Case Study
T. N. Seshan (Former CEC) – Enforced strict electoral reforms to uphold transparency and accountability in elections.
How to Write a UPSC Answer on Public Service Values?
📝 Define public service values and their relevance.
📊 Provide case studies of ethical leaders.
💡 Link with ethics theories like Virtue Ethics and Deontology.
✅ Example Question
Discuss the importance of public service values in governance with examples from India
5. Ethical Dilemmas in Civil Services & How to Resolve Them
Definition
An ethical dilemma occurs when a civil servant faces a conflict between two or more moral principles. It requires careful ethical reasoning and decision-making.
Common Ethical Dilemmas in Public Administration
✔ Conflict of Interest – When personal benefits clash with professional duties.
✔ Whistleblowing – Reporting corruption vs. maintaining loyalty.
✔ Resource Allocation – Prioritizing public welfare vs. economic constraints.
Case Study
Satyendra Dubey (NHAI Engineer) – Exposed corruption in highway projects, highlighting conflict of interest and whistleblower challenges
How to Write a UPSC Answer on Ethical Dilemmas?
📝 Define the ethical dilemma and provide real-life examples.
📊 Apply ethical theories (Deontology, Utilitarianism).
💡 Offer a fair, justifiable solution based on moral reasoning.
✅ Example Question
You are a District Collector and a political leader pressures you to approve an illegal project. What will you do? Justify your response ethically.
6. Thinkers & Philosophers in Ethics for UPSC
Why are Ethical Thinkers Important in UPSC Ethics (GS-IV)?
Ethical thinkers and philosophers provide moral frameworks that guide ethical decision-making. Their theories help civil servants resolve dilemmas, create ethical policies, and maintain integrity in governance.
How are Ethical Thinkers Used in UPSC Ethics Paper?
- To analyze ethical dilemmas and suggest solutions.
- To strengthen arguments in answer writing.
- To justify ethical reasoning in governance and policy decisions.
🔹 A. Plato (427–347 BC) – Ethics & Justice
Key Ideas
✔ Justice is the foundation of a good society.
✔ Moral character is more important than wealth or power.
✔ A just ruler should be wise and virtuous (Philosopher King concept).
Relevance in Governance
- Civil servants should be fair and just in decision-making.
- Bureaucracy must function with wisdom and integrity, not greed.
Example
Indian Judiciary’s Role – The Supreme Court ensures justice and fairness in governance, much like Plato’s idea of a just society.
✅ How to Use in UPSC Answer Writing?
- Quote Plato’s idea that “Justice is giving everyone their due.”
- Apply his Philosopher-King model to explain ethical leadership
🔹B. Aristotle (384–322 BC) – Virtue Ethics
Key Ideas
✔ Virtue Ethics – A person becomes ethical by developing good moral character.
✔ Golden Mean Principle – Ethics is about balancing between extremes (e.g., courage is between cowardice and recklessness).
✔ Practical Wisdom – Ethics is about making wise, situational decisions.
Relevance in Governance
- Civil servants must develop virtues like honesty, empathy, and courage.
- Bureaucrats should avoid extremes in decision-making (Golden Mean).
Example
Sardar Patel & National Integration – Used practical wisdom and patience to unite India after independence.
✅ How to Use in UPSC Answer Writing?
- Quote Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
- Apply Virtue Ethics to justify good governance and leadership qualities
🔹C. Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) – Deontological Ethics
Key Ideas
✔ Duty-Based Ethics (Deontology) – Actions must follow universal moral principles, regardless of consequences.
✔ Categorical Imperative – Always act in a way that you would want everyone else to act.
✔ Honesty & Truthfulness are absolute moral duties.
Relevance in Governance
- Civil servants must follow ethical rules and laws strictly.
- Bureaucracy must be impartial and fair, even under pressure.
Example
Whistleblower Protection Act (2014) – Encourages public officials to report corruption, aligning with Kant’s duty-based ethics.
✅ How to Use in UPSC Answer Writing?
- Quote Kant: “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.”
- Use Deontology to justify upholding the law despite personal consequences.
🔹D. Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832) & John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) – Utilitarianism
Key Ideas
✔ Greatest Happiness Principle – The best action is the one that maximizes happiness for the greatest number.
✔ Utility-Based Decision Making – Ethics is about choosing the most beneficial option for society.
Relevance in Governance
- Policymaking should focus on maximizing welfare for the majority.
- Governments should balance economic growth with social justice.
Example
Aadhaar & Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) – Ensures efficient subsidy delivery, benefiting the majority (Utilitarian approach).
✅ How to Use in UPSC Answer Writing?
- Quote Mill: “The worth of a state, in the long run, is the worth of the individuals composing it.”
- Justify policy decisions that prioritize majority welfare.
🔹 E. Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) – Ethics of Non-Violence & Truth
Key Ideas
✔ Satya (Truth) & Ahimsa (Non-Violence) – Morality should be based on truth and compassion.
✔ Trusteeship Model – Wealth and power should be used for social good.
✔ Means & Ends Ethics – The process of achieving something must be ethical.
Relevance in Governance
- Civil servants should be truthful, non-violent, and service-oriented.
- Policies should focus on sustainable and equitable development.
Example
Panchayati Raj System – Promotes self-governance and participatory democracy, aligning with Gandhi’s vision.
✅ How to Use in UPSC Answer Writing?
- Quote Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
- Apply Gandhian ethics to justify sustainable development and grassroots governance.
🔹F. John Rawls (1921–2002) – Theory of Justice
Key Ideas
✔ Justice as Fairness – Society should be arranged so that the least advantaged benefit the most.
✔ Veil of Ignorance – Ethical policies should be designed without bias or self-interest.
Relevance in Governance
- Policies should promote social justice and equity.
- Civil servants must make impartial and fair decisions.
Example
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) – Ensures minimum income for rural poor, following Rawls’ principle of justice for the least advantaged.
✅ How to Use in UPSC Answer Writing?
- Quote Rawls: “Justice is the first virtue of social institutions, as truth is of systems of thought.”
- Justify welfare policies aimed at reducing inequality.
🔹 G. How to Use These Thinkers in UPSC Ethics (GS-IV)?
Step 1: Identify the Ethical Issue in the Question
✔ Is it about justice, fairness, duty, or consequences?
✔ Choose the right ethical thinker to justify the argument.
Step 2: Apply the Thinker’s Philosophy to Solve the Problem
✔ Plato & Aristotle – Ethical Leadership & Good Character.
✔ Kant – Duty-Based Morality (Follow the law strictly).
✔ Bentham & Mill – Utilitarianism (Welfare of the majority).
✔ Gandhi & Rawls – Justice, Truth, and Fairness.
Step 3: Conclude with a Balanced View
✔ Suggest policy improvements based on ethical principles.
✔ Recommend training for civil servants to build ethical leadership.
7. Governance & Accountability: Strengthening Democratic Systems
Definition
Governance is the system by which a nation is administered, ensuring public welfare, law enforcement, and resource management.
Key Elements of Good Governance
✔ Rule of Law – Legal principles apply equally to all citizens.
✔ Transparency – Government decisions must be open to scrutiny.
✔ Accountability – Civil servants must be responsible for their actions.
✔ Participatory Governance – Citizens should have a voice in policymaking.
Case Study
RTI Act (2005) – Strengthened transparency and accountability in governance.
How to Write a UPSC Answer on Governance?
📝 Define governance and its role in administration.
📊 Provide examples of governance reforms.
💡 Suggest measures to strengthen accountability and transparency.
✅ Example Question
Explain the role of transparency and accountability in governance. Illustrate with examples.
8. Transparency in Governance: Case Studies & Reforms
Definition
Transparency refers to open governance, free access to information, and decision-making processes that are visible to the public. It prevents corruption, promotes accountability, and strengthens democracy.
Why is Transparency Important in Governance?
✔ Ensures public trust in government institutions.
✔ Prevents corruption and misuse of power.
✔ Promotes efficient and ethical policymaking
Key Government Initiatives on Transparency
- Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 – Empowers citizens to seek government records and decisions.
- E-Governance (Digital India Initiative) – Uses technology for real-time governance and accountability.
- Social Audits (MGNREGA, 2005) – Public review of government expenditure and program implementation.
Case Study
The 2G Spectrum Scam (2010) – A case where lack of transparency led to corruption in telecom licensing. The Supreme Court later emphasized the importance of transparent allocation of resources.
Answer Writing Tip
📝 Define transparency and its role in governance.
📊 Provide examples of transparency-enhancing policies (RTI, Digital India, etc.).
💡 Link transparency with ethical values like accountability and probity.
✅ Example Question
Discuss the role of transparency in governance. How has the RTI Act strengthened transparency in India?
9. Ethical Theories: Deontology, Virtue Ethics, and Consequentialism
Why are Ethical Theories Important in UPSC Ethics?
Ethical theories provide frameworks for moral reasoning and decision-making. They help civil servants analyze ethical dilemmas and apply justifiable solutions.
1️⃣ Deontology (Kantian Ethics) – Duty-Based Morality
✔ Founded by Immanuel Kant – Morality is based on fixed duties and universal laws.
✔ Actions must be ethical, regardless of the consequences.
✔ Example: A judge must follow the law, even if it leads to a harsh punishment.
✅ Case Study
Whistleblower Protection in Civil Services – Officials who report corruption follow their ethical duty (Deontology)
✅ How to Use Deontology in UPSC Answers?
- Define duty-based ethics.
- Apply case studies of honest officials following rules.
2️⃣ Virtue Ethics (Aristotle) – Character-Based Morality
✔ Founded by Aristotle – Morality depends on personal character and virtues.
✔ A good person naturally makes ethical decisions.
✔ Example: A leader with honesty, courage, and empathy will act ethically.
✅ Case Study
Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Violence Philosophy – His virtue of truthfulness and integrity defined his leadership.
✅ How to Use Virtue Ethics in UPSC Answers?
- Define Virtue Ethics and its importance.
- Use historical leaders (e.g., Gandhi, Sardar Patel) as case studies.
3️⃣ Consequentialism (Utilitarianism) – Outcome-Based Morality
✔ Founded by Jeremy Bentham & John Stuart Mill – The right action maximizes the greatest good.
✔ Example: A government imposing strict lockdowns to control a pandemic, even if it disrupts the economy.
✅ Case Study
✔ Founded by Jeremy Bentham & John Stuart Mill – The right action maximizes the greatest good.
✔ Example: A government imposing strict lockdowns to control a pandemic, even if it disrupts the economy.
✅ How to Use Consequentialism in UPSC Answers?
- Define Utilitarianism and its principles.
- Show how governments use cost-benefit analysis in policymaking.
✅ Example Question
“Compare and contrast Deontology, Virtue Ethics, and Consequentialism. How are these theories applied in public administration?”
10. Applied Ethics in UPSC: Ethics in Real-World Scenarios
Definition
Applied Ethics focuses on how ethical principles apply to specific areas like business, law, medicine, and governance.
Types of Applied Ethics
✔ Business Ethics – Ensuring fair trade and labor rights.
✔ Medical Ethics – Ethical dilemmas in healthcare policies.
✔ Environmental Ethics – Policies for sustainable development.
Case Study
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) – A disaster caused by corporate negligence and lack of business ethics.
✅ Example Question
“How does Applied Ethics help in real-world policymaking? Provide examples from governance and business ethics.”
