What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all... | UPSC 2014 GS4 Q1(b)

QUESTION 1(b)

GS4

10 marks

What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in public administration?

WRITE IN

7 min

150 words

What the examiner wants

Explain what ethics promotes in human life and why it matters more in public administration.

ExplainMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.

1In life: good character, right conduct, harmony, trust, dignity, meaning; resolves conflicts between self-interest and others' interest≈30 words
2Public administration: power and discretion over others' lives, public money, information asymmetry, citizens cannot choose the service provider≈30 words
3Ethics ensures impartiality, accountability, compassion for the weak, legitimacy of state, curbs corruption≈30 words
4Laws alone insufficient: rules cannot cover all discretion≈30 words

Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.

Ethics in personal lifeSpecial features of public officeWhat ethics achieves thereConclusion

Treating both parts the same without showing why public administration needs more
No mention of discretion and power asymmetry

Flowchart: power + discretion + public funds → need for ethics → trust and legitimacy

Report2nd ARC 4th Report 'Ethics in Governance' (2007) called for a code of ethics and a public service law.2nd ARC, 2007
ThinkerKautilya: 'In the happiness of his subjects lies the king's happiness; in their welfare his welfare.'.Arthashastra

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