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Q. Law and ethics are considered to be the two tools for controlling human conduct so as to make it conducive to civilized social existence. Discuss how they achieve this objective. Giving examples, show how the two differ in their approaches. (150 words, 10 Marks)

October 6, 2023 1

GS Paper IV Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Answer:

Approach:

  • Introduction: Write about laws and ethics. 
  • Body: 
    1. Discuss how laws and ethics achieve this objective of controlling human conduct. 
    2. Add some examples to further illustrate the difference between law and ethics.
  • Conclusion:  Give prospective way ahead

Introduction:

Law and ethics are two important tools for controlling human conduct to make it conducive to civilized social existence. While law is a set of rules and regulations imposed by the government, ethics are moral principles that guide individuals’ behavior towards what is right and wrong. Both law and ethics play a crucial role in maintaining social order and promoting harmonious coexistence among individuals in society.

Body:

  • Law achieves its objective of controlling human conduct by providing a framework for acceptable behavior and consequences for non-compliance. For example, laws against theft and murder provide a clear standard for what is acceptable behavior and a punishment for those who violate it.
  • On the other hand, ethics achieve their objective by shaping individuals’ moral values and attitudes towards behavior. Ethics can guide individuals to make the right decisions even when there is no specific law governing a particular situation. For example, an individual may choose not to engage in plagiarism even though it is not against the law because it is unethical.

Here are some examples to further illustrate the difference between law and ethics:

  1. An example of a law that governs behavior is traffic rules. Laws such as speed limits, stopping at red lights, and wearing a seatbelt are in place to promote safe driving and prevent accidents. Violations of these laws can result in fines, license suspensions, and other legal consequences.
  2. In contrast, an example of ethical behavior is honesty. While there are laws against fraud and other forms of deception, ethical standards dictate that individuals should be truthful in their dealings with others even when there is no law governing the situation. For instance, a person might choose to return a lost wallet to its owner rather than keeping it for themselves because it is the right thing to do.
  3. Another example is environmental protection. While there are laws in place to regulate pollution and protect natural resources, ethical standards call for individuals and organizations to take proactive steps to reduce their impact on the environment. For example, a company may choose to implement sustainable practices such as reducing waste and using renewable energy sources to minimize their environmental footprint, even if there are no laws mandating them to do so.

Law and ethics differ in their approaches in that law is typically reactive and enforced through punishment, while ethics are proactive and focus on promoting good behavior. For example, while laws against bribery punish individuals who engage in corrupt practices, ethical standards aim to prevent individuals from engaging in bribery in the first place by promoting transparency and honesty.

Conclusion:

Law and ethics play complementary roles in controlling human conduct to make it conducive to civilized social existence. While law provides a framework for acceptable behavior and consequences for non-compliance, ethics guide individuals’ moral values and attitudes towards behavior. Although they may differ in their approaches, both are crucial for promoting social order and harmonious coexistence among individuals in society.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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