Mission Mains 2021: GS 4 Ethics Discussion
This is for those of you who are planning to write Mains 2020. Primarily, the agenda of this thread would be
1. Answer Writing Practice
2. Sharing examples - anecdotes from Current affairs relevant for GS4 Answer writing
3. Any doubts wrt. Paper 4!
Feel free to pool in your suggestions!
It is often said that‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together.What isyour opinionin this regard?Justifyyour answer with illustrations. Mains 2013
Young people withethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics.Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. Mains 2017
@upsc2020 and others, how you would have written ans on politics and ethics ? some examples also.
Machiavelli through his writing in Prince began the discourse of amoralisation of politics. He believed that politics and ethics are not intertwined. Politics has its own ethics and morality which must be used by the ruler to protect the State and promote citizen welfare. Eg Russia’s annexation of Crimea on grounds of national security.
The above trend has given rise to power centric politics where politics has become a means to gain power. It has drifted away from its main goal of serving the needs of people, the fundamental principle of Representative democracy.
Gandhiji recognised the perils of complete separation of ethics and politics, and hence was a proponent of
1. Gram sabha- decentralised form of government where community worked for welfare than politics.
2. Role of dharma in politics- Gandhiji believed that all those who engage in politics must stay on the path of dharma, I.e serving needs of antyodaya.
India has shown the path where politics and ethics are combined. In local politics , 6th schedule of the constitution ensures tribals are empowered via decision making powers. In national politics, constitutional morality dictates the political discourse. Eg DPSP serves as guiding light for policy formulation. Lastly in international politics, India has always supported world peace and inclusive development.
Good one. Really like the conclusion.
It is often said that‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together.What isyour opinionin this regard?Justifyyour answer with illustrations. Mains 2013
Young people withethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics.Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. Mains 2017
@upsc2020 and others, how you would have written ans on politics and ethics ? some examples also.
Rousseau proclaimed that the person who would separate politics from ethics will fail to understand both.The main debate about this issue pertains to the choice of meansthat should betaken to pursue the ends. In this regard, it should be noted that politics, without ethics, is purposeless.
Politics, without an ethical base, will only become a means to perpetuate oppression and exploitation.Though it is also true that in the era of coalition politics, criminalisation of politics and diverse demands and aspirations of people, it has become difficult for a politician to be in power on ethical grounds. But, losing ethical grounds for the sake of power leads to the destruction of the basic objective of coming to power. It is only when politics is guided through an ethical framework that the good of the society is produced.
Gandhiji also acknowledged this deep connection between politics and ethics. (There is some quotation also he said). It is ethics which differentiates one political leader from another. For example, Hitler's politics devoid of ethics is an example of inhuman conduct.
Thus, ethics and politics are intertwined at the foundation as "Politics is nothing but ethics in public".
@rashiv
@Agog
Good answer with sound theoretical content. One suggestion, since it’s given justify via illustration, you could have added one distinct contemporary example. I know you’ve mentioned coalition politics + criminalisation, but they might just get missed by the examiner while speed reading it.
upsc2020,It is often said that‘politics’ and ‘ethics’ do not go together.What isyour opinionin this regard?Justifyyour answer with illustrations. Mains 2013
Young people withethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics.Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. Mains 2017
@upsc2020 and others, how you would have written ans on politics and ethics ? some examples also.
Rousseau proclaimed that the person who would separate politics from ethics will fail to understand both.The main debate about this issue pertains to the choice of meansthat should betaken to pursue the ends. In this regard, it should be noted that politics, without ethics, is purposeless.
Politics, without an ethical base, will only become a means to perpetuate oppression and exploitation.Though it is also true that in the era of coalition politics, criminalisation of politics and diverse demands and aspirations of people, it has become difficult for a politician to be in power on ethical grounds. But, losing ethical grounds for the sake of power leads to the destruction of the basic objective of coming to power. It is only when politics is guided through an ethical framework that the good of the society is produced.
Gandhiji also acknowledged this deep connection between politics and ethics. (There is some quotation also he said). It is ethics which differentiates one political leader from another. For example, Hitler's politics devoid of ethics is an example of inhuman conduct.
Thus, ethics and politics are intertwined at the foundation as "Politics is nothing but ethics in public".
@rashiv
@Agog
Good answer with sound theoretical content. One suggestion, since it’s given justify via illustration, you could have added one distinct contemporary example. I know you’ve mentioned coalition politics + criminalisation, but they might just get missed by the examiner while speed reading it.
Thank you. Examples even I felt I missed out.
Q. Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150 words, 10 marks)
reasons for youth not joining politics-
- a huge sum of initial capital required for campaigning.
- established political parties usually sell their tickets to the highest bidder or give them old party loyalist.
- standing as independent weaken the chances of a win.
- politics is generally associated with unethical means, thus repelled by youth.
- better work opportunities and satisfaction in the voluntary sector.
step to motivate them-
- state funding of elections.
- spreading voter awareness about the candidate centric politics rather than politics centric.
- role modelling- by people like chhavi rajawat who gave up their high paying job to work as panchayat sarpanch
- social influence- by showing them the scale of opportunities available to political leaders to uplift people of their constituencies.
upsc2020,Q. Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150 words, 10 marks)
Pointers
1. Why youth not joining- Commercialisation of politics. Eg Huge capital required for ticket + campaigning
- Criminalisation of politics- Deters youth
- Dynastic politics- Makes it harder for youth to rely on meritocracy for recognition
- power politics- young people interested in politics for welfare than politics for power. Hence many join NGO, or engage in philanthropy via corporate jobs
- Age factor in politics- most politicians are far beyond being ‘youth’, it underscores the fact that to make a substantial name in politics and change in society requires years of experience
- Monetary compensation- the above factor is further aggravated by the fact that politics is not monetarily rewarding. Hence not a prime option for youth wishing to sustain a family and support his/her parents financially
- Unethical practises- predominant generalisation of politics is “Sam dam dand bhed” as said by Kautilya, becomes untenable for ethically sound youth.
How to motivate - cadre based political parties need to adopted. It automatically rewards meritocracy
- ECI can recommend prominent youth wing unit for national political parties
- Promote clean student politics in higher education to attract youth
- ensuring local panchayat elections are fought by locals/local youth->training ground for national politic
- institutional strengthening to eradicate ills in politics. Eg ECI reforms, judicial fast track court
- aware citizenry to reward merit based/development politics than identity based politics
- popularise role models at all levels.
Q. The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life.Discuss.150-10
narrow perception of a good life- Free of sufferings, plenty of comforts and powerful position in society.
Crisis of ethical values due to this narrow perception-
- rise of materialism- as comfort in narrow perception is directly linked to material wealth.
- wealth given preference over morality of an individual- social status determined by wealth rather than character of an individual.
- craving for social acceptance- people-pleasing rather than standing up for what is right.
- education focussed on making one materially successful rather than ethical development of students
Rather a broad perception of good life should be adopted. that is the ethical development of an individual, intellectual content people, equality of status in society.
Way forward- introducing life skills course in schools.
Deepak802,upsc2020
Q. Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150 words, 10 marks)Pointers
1. Why youth not joining- Commercialisation of politics. Eg Huge capital required for ticket + campaigning
- Criminalisation of politics- Deters youth
- Dynastic politics- Makes it harder for youth to rely on meritocracy for recognition
- power politics- young people interested in politics for welfare than politics for power. Hence many join NGO, or engage in philanthropy via corporate jobs
- Age factor in politics- most politicians are far beyond being ‘youth’, it underscores the fact that to make a substantial name in politics and change in society requires years of experience
- Monetary compensation- the above factor is further aggravated by the fact that politics is not monetarily rewarding. Hence not a prime option for youth wishing to sustain a family and support his/her parents financially
- Unethical practises- predominant generalisation of politics is “Sam dam dand bhed” as said by Kautilya, becomes untenable for ethically sound youth.
How to motivate - cadre based political parties need to adopted. It automatically rewards meritocracy
- ECI can recommend prominent youth wing unit for national political parties
- Promote clean student politics in higher education to attract youth
- ensuring local panchayat elections are fought by locals/local youth->training ground for national politic
- institutional strengthening to eradicate ills in politics. Eg ECI reforms, judicial fast track court
- aware citizenry to reward merit based/development politics than identity based politics
- popularise role models at all levels.
Points are very relevant.
Value addition:
- requires a comprehensive strategy covering all aspects (cognitive and behavioral) of persuasion and attitude change must be targeted simultaneously.
- Role modeling: how young leaders in past have changed course of history Nehru etc.
- Youth Parliament: CPA (Commonwealth Parliamentary Association) annually organizes the Commonwealth Youth Parliament in the regions of the commonwealth. Joining such events helps to motivate + Effective implementation of National Youth Parliament Scheme.
EiChan,Q. Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150 words, 10 marks)reasons for youth not joining politics-
- a huge sum of initial capital required for campaigning.
- established political parties usually sell their tickets to the highest bidder or give them old party loyalist.
- standing as independent weaken the chances of a win.
- politics is generally associated with unethical means, thus repelled by youth.
- better work opportunities and satisfaction in the voluntary sector.
step to motivate them-
- state funding of elections.
- spreading voter awareness about the candidate centric politics rather than politics centric.
- role modelling- by people like chhavi rajawat who gave up their high paying job to work as panchayat sarpanch
- social influence- by showing them the scale of opportunities available to political leaders to uplift people of their constituencies.
Social Influence and Emotional Intelligence is a very relevant point. Thanks.
chamomile,* A big solution to our all problems is politics but it itself has become a problem.* There is this apprehension or perception that this political system inhibits young talented people from getting into the politics.* There is no stipend mechanism for the youth joining the politics to encourage them. This is the reason of corruption. The Young people after working for initially 3-4 years have no idea about the to leadership and decisions taken, he has no idea how to go up in the party heirarchy. Because there is no internal politics and also because of dynasty politics. In the previous LS election, there was not a single person lesser than 30 years of age elected to LS. Here talent is not supported. There is a supply of talent but no demand.* There is no clarity about funding with the people joining politics and forming a party.* These politicians, 2nd grade people are electing 2nd grade people which will certainly lead to 3rd grade people.SolutionEncourage MPs and MLAs to collaborate with young professionals. This will lead to* change in governance* Change in perception about politics* They will come to know about how the politics work.Young people should form a group beyond religious lines.Internship in the parliamentWhat other countries are doing :-* In Uganda, five seats are reserved for youth representatives in the parliament.* ‘National Youth Parliament’ in Srilanka influences National youth policies.* Youth enrollment campaign in Australia educates young voters with fun activities.Fun Fact:Recently, I proposed this idea in my family that I should also contest elections in my Panchayat. Ghar me Haay-Tauba hone lagi, ki ye ladka kya karne wala hai. 😃
Really like how you've given examples from other countries. Would be a great value addition.
Deepak802,Dora-the_ExplorerQ. The crisis of ethical values in modern times is traced to a narrow perception of the good life.Discuss.150-10narrow perception of a good life- Free of sufferings, plenty of comforts and powerful position in society.
Crisis of ethical values due to this narrow perception-
- rise of materialism- as comfort in narrow perception is directly linked to material wealth.
- wealth given preference over morality of an individual- social status determined by wealth rather than character of an individual.
- craving for social acceptance- people-pleasing rather than standing up for what is right.
- education focussed on making one materially successful rather than ethical development of students
Rather a broad perception of good life should be adopted. that is the ethical development of an individual, intellectual content people, equality of status in society.
Way forward- introducing life skills course in schools.
+ Man has focused on hedonistic gains and the problems that we face today environmental degradation, climate change etc all can be attributed to our lack of social responsibility.
+ Most of the moral philosophers (Socrates, Plato) have equated good life with being virtuous but today youth is ready to compromise with their virtues for short term material gains. In fact, growing competition and scarcity of resources is not letting youth to get out of what Maslow called lower order needs and aim at higher needs of self-realization.
+ Gandhi's concept of Sarvodaya
chamomile,upsc2020Thanks!
peacefulwarrior,peacefulwarrior,@AlexanderSupertramp I read your essay. Really liked it. The way you have woven it with adequate examples makes it an interesting read. However, just a suggestion in terms of structure - since this essay relies heavily on examples, segregate it wrt. Customary practices related to religion, caste, women, children, international etc. Then continuity and flow would be better.
Also I am in two minds about this thought - whether a paragraph should be devoted to the idea that certain customs and traditions are important to maintain continuity of civilization. I may have included this.
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