Question- It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure in smooth functioning of an organisation / system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning? UPSC CSE 2022 GS 4, Ethics Integrity Aptitude.
answer
Ethics is the study of moral principles and values that guide human actions and decisions. Ethics seeks to promote in human life the ideals of goodness, justice, virtue, and happiness. Ethics also helps to evaluate the rightness or wrongness of human actions and decisions based on moral standards and criteria.
Ethical values are the moral values that reflect the ethical principles and ideals. Ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by humans in their day-to-day functioning in the following ways:
Ethical values provide a common framework and language for understanding and communicating the moral issues and dilemmas involved in a conflict. For example, ethical values such as honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, responsibility, etc., can help to identify and articulate the moral aspects of a conflict and to facilitate dialogue and negotiation among the conflicting parties.
Ethical values provide a basis for judging and choosing the best course of action or decision in a conflict. For example, ethical values such as beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice, etc., can help to weigh the pros and cons of different alternatives and to select the one that maximizes the good and minimizes the harm for all concerned.
Ethical values provide a motivation and inspiration for resolving a conflict in a peaceful and constructive manner. For example, ethical values such as compassion, empathy, forgiveness, reconciliation, etc., can help to overcome negative emotions such as anger, hatred, resentment, etc., and to foster positive emotions such as love, kindness, generosity, etc., that can enable the conflicting parties to reach a mutually acceptable and beneficial solution.
Therefore, ethics seeks to promote in human life the ideals of goodness, justice, virtue, and happiness. Ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by humans in their day-to-day functioning by providing a common framework and language, a basis for judging and choosing, and a motivation and inspiration for resolving conflicts.