[Answered] Examine how conscience of an individual guide his/her behaviour. How conscience of crisis should be dealt by a public servant?

Conscience is the part of our mind that tells you whether what you are doing is morally right or wrong. In short, conscience is a term which we use to denote the inner mind. Conscience is always knowledge of ourselves, or awareness of moral principles we have committed to, or assessment of ourselves, or motivation to act that comes from within us. It is an instrument for self-control, correction and regulation. Conscience is the part of your mind that tells you whether what you are doing is morally right or wrong. In short, conscience is a term which we use to denote the inner mind.

How conscience guide our behaviour?

1. Through our individual conscience, one become aware of his deeply held moral principles, and motivate accordingly to act upon those principles removing conflicts.
2. As we assess our character, our behaviour and ultimately our self against those principles, conscience lead to proper analysis of good and bad of the situation and proper evaluation of various options.
3. When we talk about conscience, we often refer to reflection about ourselves as moral persons and about our moral conduct. Through conscience we examine ourselves, as if we were our own inner judge. Thus help in better judgements and resolution of dilemmas.
4. Conscience brings us some form of moral knowledge or moral beliefs allowing individual to judge the situation and define what is right or wrong accordingly.
5. Conscience is a capacity, intuition or decision that help to distinguish right from wrong. It may lead to feelings of remorse when a human commits actions that go against his moral values or feelings of pleasure and well-being when actions, thoughts and words are in conformity to value systems of the nation. Thus it help in shaping future conducts and help in moral dilemmas.
6. Conscience thus allow resolution of moral dilemmas by introspection and defining what is right or wrong. When there is a crisis of conscience, the individual fear that his action may be against the voice of conscience and hence ethically wrong and here conscience fails to act.

How a public servant should resolve the situation off crisis of conscience?

The public servants enjoy a wide range of discretionary powers. Hence at times, he gets stuck into ethical dilemmas when he is not sure about the right course of action. To solve such a situation:

1. Public Servant must always remember that they are accountable to the public. They cannot always do whatever they want. This sense of duty towards the public helps them make the right decision.
2. Many times a public servant finds them bound and limited by the due process of law. But their actions must remain within the permissible boundaries of the laws. Legality must never be forgotten.
3. Maintaining high levels of integrity at all times is very important. A Civil Servant must take pride in their honesty and act as an example for others.
4. A public servant must be highly sensitive and responsive to the needs of the public. Our society is changing and growing fast and public service must keep pace with it.

Conscience guide us on what to do and what not. A crisis of conscience is common and must be dealt effectively. Public servant should always keep in mind larger public good and should strive to perform his/her duty.