Think and Learn-2015, TLP Mains 2015, UPSC, UPSC Mains- Think and Learn-2015
TLP: GS Mains Synopsis [Day 79]
Q.1) It is easy to choose between a right and a wrong. But to choose less wrong between two wrongs and better between two rights, makes all the difference. Comment.
The Top Answer for this Question is written by – Heidi
Ans) Choosing between right and wrong is generally an easy job, for we have a collective and accepted notion of what is right and what is wrong. we apply these easily available and clearly understandable standards and yardsticks to distinguish between right and wrong.
When we are in urgent need of some money beyond our earnings, choosing between stealing and not stealing is such a situation where making a morally correct decision is easy. There is nothing extraordinary with it, rather a normal moral decision one can take.
But choosing a less wrong between two wrongs and better between two rights is not that easy always. It depends on one’s ability to comprehend the situation, apprehend the consequences and apply wisdom to choose better available option.
The ethical dilemma of choosing a less wrong may be justified by the prevailing social and political practices. for example while killing is unethical, modern societies have capital punishment in their legal systems for a utilitarian social purpose.
Imagine a rescue boat in a flooded area carrying five people, on way back realizing that another person still trapped there. In this situation turning the boat risking five lives is not an easy decision to make. utilitarianism would justify saving five lives by not turning the boat.
Rational decision making using median utility would help face this dilemma of choosing less wrong and better right.
Q.2) Wisdom is knowing the right path to take; integrity is taking it. What do you understand by this statement? Elaborate.
The Top Answer for this Question is written by – The Rock
Ans) Wisdom implies one’s awareness while integrity means ” wholeness ” of behaviour and character.
Moral intellectualism , as defined by Socrates , elaborates the relevance of wisdom in developing vitues and thus taking a right path . Thus , only a person having wisdom will take a virtuous course of action . Ex : Environment conservation is possible by promoting awareness about forest’s ecological , meterological and asthetic significance .
However , ” the spirit is willing , but flesh is weak ” Thus , inspite of knowledge about ill effects of an action , we pursue such actions . Ex : Smoking , Poaching , raping , etc .
Thus , Aristotle views integrity as cultivation of good habits . So , a person with integrity should pursue the right path as his habits . Ex : support for women’s rights should be extended to family members like wife , daughter , etc.
Therefore , a person with wisdom may by corrupt as he lacks integrity , while a person with integrity may be honest but gets cheated due to poor wisdom .Thus , wisdom and integrity should be mutually ingrained in an virtuous individual.
Q.3) You are heading a committee mandated with the task of formulating a new code of conduct for the politicians. In this capacity, you are required to study in detail the current practices and also adopt best provisions from around the world. Moreover, you are required to innovate at your level to come up with unique provisions to suit the Indian scenario. In this context, what suggestions you would give as the head of the committee? Also give reasons for your suggestions.
The Top Answer for this Question is written by – Adityaka
Ans) The conduct of politicians in pursuance of represented interests is a major determinant of the larger political culture in the country. The current political culture may be characterised as follows;
– Increasing criminalisation of politics
– mobilization of masses on the basis of caste and religion has given rise to vote bank politics and identitiy based politics rather than being issue based.
– Excessive use if unaccounted money during elections.
– Using slander, defamation, obstructionist politics and hate speeches in order to gain political mileage.
Based on the above, a new code of conduct for politicians could include;
– Declaration of criminal antecedents and educational qualifications so that the electorate is better informed.
– Making the Model Code of Conduct during elections legally enforceable. This could act as a deterent to certain loose cannons in various political parties from making hate speeches.
– Setting stringent standards for parliamentary conduct and empowering the speaker of the house to enforce the same. This would help reduce obstructionism.
– As practiced in countries such as Germany and France, civil servants could be allowed to take temporary leaves from professional careers to take part in politics. This would imbibe a professional culture into politics.
– More transparency into election finances of political parties. The recent CIC order can be implemented without interfering with internal party democracy.
In the end, it is the electorate that has to be informed so as to hold politicians accountable for their conduct. Political culture in the country can only be transformed when citizens are swayed by solutions to issues rather than caste and religious identities.
High Order Thinking
Q.1) What strategic importance does Indo-African ties hold for India seen in the larger framework of global south-south cooperation? What are the major takeaways for India if the relations with the Africa turn out to be the way it was envisaged in the recently concluded Indo-African Forum Summit.
The Top Answer for this Question is written by – Annapurna Garg
Ans)
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Q.2) Higher education in India is faced with challenges that range from lack of institutional autonomy to heavy bureaucratization of policy making. In light of the given statement and the recent ‘Occupy UGC’ protest, examine the need of having a national education policy. Also suggest the broad framework which should be adhered to by the policy.
The Top Answer for this Question is written by – SBT57
Ans)
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