Types of Beliefs

• Beliefs = Accepted truths we hold individually. They are shaped by experiences, upbringing, culture, and learning.
• Influence: Beliefs influence how we think, act, and judge right from wrong.
  • For civil servants, beliefs directly affect policy decisions, impacting social behaviour and public trust.
• Core Beliefs: These are deep-rooted and unchanging beliefs, such as “Truth matters.” They shape your worldview and act as your moral compass.
• Peripheral Beliefs: These are more flexible and can change with experience. Example: Belief in superstition may fade with exposure to science and rational thinking.

Complexity Bias

• About: We often favor complex solutions over simple ones, a tendency known as Complexity Bias in psychology. It leads us to ignore simple truths in favor of elaborate explanations.
  • Example: Blaming a policy failure on a grand theory instead of basic greed.  True ethical clarity lies in recognizing the power of simplicity.

Virtue

• Virtue = A morally good trait such as honesty, courage, or compassion.  Virtue silently builds a person’s ethical reputation over time.
• Socrates: Socrates believed “Knowledge is Virtue” — suggesting that wisdom naturally leads to good conduct.
  • Examples: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s humility, Mahatma Gandhi’s practice of truth. For civil servants, cultivating and applying virtues in daily decision-making is essential for ethical and effective governance.

Character

• Character: The sum of your moral and mental qualities that define who you are.
  It encompasses your values, behavior, consistency, and courage.Example: Bhagat Singh demonstrated unshakable courage, a core aspect of his character.
•  Test of Character: Your true character is revealed during stress, not comfort.
  • Ethics begins where law ends — it is your character that ultimately drives ethical action.
  • “If you want test a man’s character, give him power” – Abraham Lincoln

Belief vs Faith

• Belief : A general trust based on logic, learning, or evidence.Belief is adaptable with new information.
  • Example: Belief: “Climate change is real.”
•  Faith: A deep, often spiritual trust, rooted in devotion and emotion.  Faith is deeply rooted and emotionally enduring.
  • Example: Faith: “God sees all.” For civil servants, both belief in the law and faith in the people are essential for ethical governance.

Why are these Important?

• Beliefs shape judgments, influencing how we perceive right and wrong.
• Virtues build credibility, forming the ethical backbone of personal conduct.
• Character fosters institutional trust in public officers through consistent moral behavior
• Moral character is crucial for navigating ethical dilemmas with clarity.
• Complexity bias can blind us to simple, effective solutions—it’s important to avoid overcomplication.
• Understanding the difference between belief and faith helps civil servants respect and respond to public sensitivities.

DOWNLOAD PDF