GS-4:Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in – Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics – in Private and Public Relationships.

In News:The quest for freedom: is the ‘will’ truly free?

1.In a society where freedom is shaped by social, political, and economic factors, what ethical principles should guide individual conduct? How can individuals maintain their autonomy while fulfilling their social responsibilities?

In a society where freedom is significantly shaped by social, political, and economic factors, individuals face the challenge of balancing their personal autonomy with their responsibilities to the community.

Ethical principles to guide individual conduct:

1. Respect for others:
   Individuals should treat others with dignity and respect, recognizing their autonomy and rights
2. Justice and fairness:
   Ensuring that personal choices promote fairness, equality, and justice within society, mitigating harm to marginalised groups.
3. Personal responsibility:
   Accepting responsibility for the consequences of one’s actions, even in the face of external constraints.
4. Social solidarity:
   Recognising the interconnectedness of individuals and contributing to social cohesion, mutual support, and collective well-being.
5. Beneficence:
   It involves acting in ways that promote the well-being of others. Individuals should strive to maximise benefits and minimise harm in their interactions, ensuring that their choices contribute positively to the community.
6. Integrity:
   Aligning personal actions with one’s moral principles, even when societal pressures may conflict with personal values.Example: A journalist fact-checking sources thoroughly before publishing an article to ensure accurate reporting.
7. Transparency:
   Practising honesty and openness in decision-making, ensuring that choices made for personal autonomy consider broader social impacts.
8. Non-Maleficence:
   Avoiding actions that could harm others, balancing self-interest with the ethical imperative to minimise societal harm.
   Balancing Autonomy and Social Responsibility:
9. Informed decision-making:
   Making ethical choices based on a deep understanding of the societal context and the consequences for both the individual and the collective.
10. Active participation:
    Engaging in societal dialogues and decision-making processes to ensure personal autonomy aligns with the public good.The Anna Hazare movement galvanised citizens to demand the Lokpal Bill through collective action against corruption.
11. Adherence to Laws and Regulations: Following laws to align personal choices with societal expectations.Example:An individual obeys traffic laws, ensuring safety for themselves and others on the road.
12. Equitable action:
    By striving to exercise autonomy in ways that do not exacerbate inequalities or perpetuate social injustice. Ratan Tata’s ethical leadership fostered a culture of corporate social responsibility within the Tata Group, ensuring its business practices positively impacted society and addressed social inequalities.
13. Empathy and compassion:
    Cultivating empathy for others, ensuring that individual actions contribute to, rather than detract from, societal well-being.Magsaysay awardee Dr. V. Shanta, known for her compassionate approach to cancer care, emphasised the importance of empathy in healthcare.
14. Civic responsibility:
    Contributing to the common good by supporting policies and actions that foster fairness, opportunity, and social justice.Example:Citizens actively participated in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by organising community clean-up drives and awareness campaigns.
15. Sustainable practices:
    Choosing actions that promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability, contributing to the long-term welfare of both individuals and society.Mission LIFE- encourages sustainable living by adopting environment-friendly lifestyles.

By adhering to ethical principles, individuals can exercise their freedoms in a way that promotes both personal fulfilment and the greater good. This balance is vital for the overall health and progress of society

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/specials/text-and-context/the-quest-for-freedom-is-the-will-truly-free/article68861170.ece