Moral Thinkers & Philosophers

(a) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had cautioned that employing civil disobedience within a constitutional democracy equates to endorsing 'anarchy'. How should modern democracies navigate the ethical dilemmas posed by civil disobedience movements that aim to promote social justice against policies that may raise genuine concerns?

(b) In what ways can an Indian Administrative Officer apply Gandhi's notion of 'trusteeship' to ensure fairness in governance?

(c) Shakespeare in Henry IV says, "The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just". What ethical implications does this have in governance?

Some moral philosophers argue that spending some of your resources—without significantly affecting your financial stability—to help other people who badly suffer is our moral duty and not merely a matter of charity. Justify this claim by explaining the distinction between duty and charity.

Carl von Clausewitz once said, "War is a diplomacy by other means." Critically analyse the above statement in the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict.

"Those who in trouble untroubled are, Will trouble trouble itself." - Thiruvalluvar

"The strength of a society is not in its laws, but in the morality of its people." - Swami Vivekananda

What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

"Learn everything good from others, but bring it in and in your own way absorb it. Do not become others." – Swami Vivekananda. Analyze the relevance of this quote in cultivating cultural tolerance and personal integrity.

"In law, a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics, he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so." – Immanuel Kant. Explain how Kantian deontological ethics demands purity of inner intention.

"The simple path of doing good and avoiding harm is the essence of morality." Discuss this principle in the light of the Buddhist eightfold path and utilitarian philosophy.

"To see what is right and not do it is a want of courage, or of principle." – Confucius. In the context of civil services, discuss the courage of conviction.

"An unexamined life is not worth living." – Socrates. Discuss how self-reflection and introspection help public officials adhere to highest ethical standards in public service.

"We must become the change we want to see in the world." – Mahatma Gandhi. Evaluate the role of personal moral exemplary behaviour in inspiring subordinates in an organization.

"Every human being has a right to be treated with dignity and as an end in oneself, never merely as a means." In the light of Kant's categorical imperative, evaluate modern corporate labour practices.

"A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes." – Mahatma Gandhi. Explain how cultivation of ethical thoughts leads to moral character.

"Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule." – Gautama Buddha. Explain the application of this Buddhist moral teaching in resolving communal disharmony.

"There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed." – Mahatma Gandhi. Discuss this quote in the context of global environmental degradation and resource depletion.

"In matters of conscience, the law of majority has no place." – Mahatma Gandhi. Discuss this statement in the context of constitutional morality and civil disobedience.

"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." – C.S. Lewis. Discuss how integrity differs from mere honesty in public administration.

"Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good." – Tirukkural. Critically evaluate this statement in the context of public administrative decision-making.

"The unexamined life is not worth living." – Socrates. Discuss the relevance of continuous moral introspection for public servants exercising sovereign power.

"Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them." – Napoleon Bonaparte. Explain in the light of ethics in public leadership.

"The right of self-defense is not only a right, but a moral duty when the life and honor of innocent persons are in peril." Discuss this in the context of ethical principles governing law enforcement.

"Maxims of integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship are the bedrock of civil services." Explain how these values protect democratic governance from authoritarian abuse.

"In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so." – Immanuel Kant. Discuss this distinction between legal guilt and moral guilt.

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." – Abraham Lincoln. Examine this statement in the context of administrative discretion.

"Compassion is the basis of all morality." – Arthur Schopenhauer. Explain how compassion serves as a vital compass for a civil servant working in underdeveloped rural regions.

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." – Plato. Discuss this statement in the context of transparency in governance.

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." – Aristotle. Explain the importance of moral education along with intellectual training.

"Seven Social Sins" identified by Mahatma Gandhi in Young India (1925) include Politics without Principle, Wealth without Work, and Commerce without Morality. Discuss their contemporary relevance.

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." – Mahatma Gandhi. Explain how internal moral consistency leads to ethical integrity.