Mains Daily Question
Oct. 21, 2020

Q. What are the various sources of ethics? Briefly describe their impact on ethics in Indian society?

Approach
• Define Ethics
• Mention various sources of ethics with examples
• Explain through examples how they impact ethics in Indian society
• Conclude accordingly.

Model Answer

Ethics is the study of moral philosophy. i.e., the study of what is right or wrong about the human action and thought. It is study of a set of standards that society places on itself. They guide individual's behaviors, choices and actions as a member of the society.

Sources of Ethics 

Ethics are derived from various sources, including religion, traditions and customs.

  1. Religion: Religion is the most important source of ethics as religious teachings often prescribe what is right and wrong and society subscribes to such norms.

  2. Traditions: Practices that are handed over from generation to generation become part of societal standards.

  3. Family: Family is the fundamental unit of the society and they establish certain standards for a functioning society. A child is first educated about ethical norms in family.

  4. Human conscience: Conscience helps a man to differentiate between good and bad, and certain standards for society are acceptable for all conscientious men. 

  5. Government laws: Sometimes, certain standards are imposed on the society through laws, which over time are accepted by society and forms part of its ethical system 

  6. Role Models and Philosophers: They inspire people and help in societies discovering or assimilating new virtues.

Impact of The Above Sources on Ethics in Indian Society

  1. Hindu philosophy of "Sarva Dharma Sambhava" and principle of non-violence in Jainism/Buddhism had a profound influence on Indian society.

  2. Government prohibition of practices like sati and permitting of widow remarriage encouraged the society to incorporate their prohibition in societal standards.

  3. Role Models like Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar have stood against social evils and set examples of bringing changes in ethical norms.

Societies are dynamic, as are its ethical standards and the sources of these ethical standards. They form the guidelines by which we should live as members of the society.

 

Subjects : Ethics
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