Practice Questions - 1

Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision making. Discuss

Key Points

·         Conscience - Represents an individual's internal moral compass, influenced by personal values, principles, and beliefs.

·         Laws, Rules, and Regulations - External guidelines established by society, organizations, or governments to regulate behavior.

·         Conscience can provide a more immediate sense of right and wrong, but its reliability depends on an individual's moral development and subjective values.

·         Laws and regulations provide a standardized ethical framework but may not always encompass all moral considerations.

·         In public service, a balance is essential: Conscience is an important source of ethical guidance. But we should not rely only on Conscience. We should also consider - Moral Reasoning, Law of the land and the Social values

·         Ethical public servants should be prepared to challenge laws or regulations that contradict their deeply held moral convictions (through the legal channels), but this should be done thoughtfully and responsibly, considering potential consequences and alternatives.

All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples.

General Points on Happiness

·         Subjective and positive emotion

·         Characterized by feelings of joy and satisfaction.

·         Human action and behavior are guided by pursuit of happiness.

·         Happiness - Central purpose of human life

·         Health = Physical, Mental, Cognitive, Social

·         Narrow and short term – Drugs/alcohol - immediate pleasure and is more tempting – may lead to long term pain

·         Cultivation of virtues – initially painful and requires some sort of sacrifice – may lead to long term satisfaction and happiness