Answer:

Introduction:

Potter Stewart’s quote, “Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do,” emphasizes the importance of considering not only what we have the legal or moral right to do but also what is morally right and justifiable.

Body:

Here some of the examples to illustrate the quote:

• Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech:
  • Legal Right: Individuals have the right to express their opinions freely.
  • Ethical Responsibility: It is not right to engage in hate speech or spread false information that incites violence or promotes discrimination.
  • For example, when activist Kunal Kamra criticizes government policies, he exercises his right to free speech responsibly by expressing his dissent without resorting to hate speech.
• Right to Privacy vs. Data Protection:
  • Legal Right: People have the right to privacy, including the protection of their personal data.
  • Ethical Responsibility: Companies collecting user data must ensure the ethical use and protection of that data.
  • For instance, when UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) faces criticism for its handling of Aadhaar data breaches, it highlights the importance of respecting the right to privacy and taking appropriate measures to safeguard personal information.
• Economic Development vs. Environmental Conservation:
  • Legal Right: Businesses have the right to pursue economic development.
  • Ethical Responsibility: It is right to balance economic progress with environmental conservation.
  • An example is the case of Sunderlal Bahuguna, an environmental activist who fought for the preservation of forests and spoke against the construction of Tehri Dam, advocating for sustainable development and protecting the rights of local communities.
• Right to Protest vs. Public Order:
  • Legal Right: Citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
  • Ethical Responsibility: It is not right to engage in violent or disruptive protests that harm public order or put lives at risk.
  • For instance, when activist Medha Patkar leads peaceful protests against unjust land acquisitions and displacement, she exercises her right to protest while adhering to ethical principles of non-violence and respect for public safety.

Conclusion:

In all of these examples, ethical considerations go beyond legal or personal rights and require us to consider the impact of our actions on others and act in a way that is fair and justifiable. By doing so, we can create a more just and equitable society where the rights of all individuals are respected

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