Chapter 1 · Topic 1.2 · Prelims + Mains2 of 3
Ethics & Human Values: Human values and their sources
Key points
- Universal values; social vs economic; corruption.
- Family, society, education; NEP 2020.
Prelims box: facts and traps
| Level | Measure to uplift values |
|---|---|
| Family | parents model honesty |
| School | value education, teamwork, sport |
| Workplace | codes of conduct, integrity awards |
| State | transparency, quick fair punishment |
| Media | celebrate honest public servants. |
- The Cabinet approved NEP 2020 on 29 July 2020, replacing the National Policy on Education, 1986.
Human values: universal or changing?
Human values are lasting beliefs about what is good and worth pursuing, such as truth, non-violence, compassion, justice, freedom, respect and responsibility. They guide choices when no rule applies.
Mains 2013 asked: Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. A balanced view: core values (do not harm the innocent, keep promises, be fair) are near universal, while their expression changes (attitudes to gender roles, caste or the environment have changed over time). Give one example of each.
Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.
Mains 2015 asked to discuss “Social values are more important than economic values.” in the context of inclusive growth. Growth with high GDP but deep exclusion breeds unrest; social values such as equality, trust and dignity make growth shared and lasting. Avoid a one-sided answer: economic values (efficiency, enterprise, thrift) fund welfare.
“Social values are more important than economic values.” Discuss the above statement with examples in the context of inclusive growth of a nation.
Mains 2023 asked: “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society? Suggest measures at each level: family (role modelling), school (value education, sports), workplace (codes, rewards for integrity), state (swift, fair punishment; transparency) and media (celebrating honest officers).
“Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society?
| Level | Measure to uplift values |
|---|---|
| Family | parents model honesty |
| School | value education, teamwork, sport |
| Workplace | codes of conduct, integrity awards |
| State | transparency, quick fair punishment |
| Media | celebrate honest public servants |
Answer framework.
Family, society and education as sources of values
Values are learnt, mostly early. The family gives the first lessons through example; society (neighbours, religion, media, peer groups) reinforces or challenges them; schools and teachers turn them into habits through rules, stories and practice.
Mains 2016 noted that Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up, and that some such values are undesirable in a democratic, egalitarian society. Examples to cite: caste prejudice, gender stereotypes, disregard for public property and queue-jumping. Remedies: inclusive schooling, mixed neighbourhoods, laws backed by awareness, and role models.
Our attitudes towards life, work, other people and society are generally shaped unconsciously by the family and the social surroundings in which we grow up. Some of these unconsciously acquired attitudes and values are often undesirable in the citizens of a modern democratic and egalitarian society. (a) Discuss such undesirable values prevalent in today’s educated Indians. (b) How can such undesirable attitudes be changed and socio-ethical values considered necessary in public services be cultivated in the aspiring and serving civil servants?
A quote from A. P. J. Abdul Kalam names three key societal members who can make a difference: father, mother and teacher, for a country to be corruption free and become a
nation of beautiful minds. Explain: parents set the first moral example; teachers make values a habit; both work before habits harden.
“If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel that there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are father, mother and teacher.” —A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Mains 2020 asked to examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the statement that education is a tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation. The Cabinet approved NEP 2020 on 29 July 2020, replacing the National Policy on Education, 1986. It brings a 5+3+3+4 structure with 3 years of Anganwadi or pre-school, teaching up to at least Grade 5 in the mother tongue or regional language, a 360-degree holistic progress card, and no rigid separation between academic, extracurricular and vocational streams (PIB, 29 Jul 2020).
“Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all round development of an individual and social transformation”. Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement.
| NEP 2020 item | Figure | Type |
|---|---|---|
| School GER | 100% by 2030 | target |
| Higher-education GER | 26.3% (2018) to 50% by 2035 | measured base; target |
| New higher-education seats | 3.5 crore | target |
| Public spending on education | 6% of GDP at the earliest | target |
PIB, 29 Jul 2020.
Mains box: analysis and answer points
- A balanced view: core values (do not harm the innocent, keep promises, be fair) are near universal, while their expression changes (attitudes to gender roles, caste or the environment have changed over time).
- Human values are lasting beliefs about what is good and worth pursuing, such as truth, non-violence, compassion, justice, freedom, respect and responsibility.
- Growth with high GDP but deep exclusion breeds unrest; social values such as equality, trust and dignity make growth shared and lasting.
- Likely next angle: Corruption = failure of values
- Asked: Mains 2013 (GS Paper IV, 10 marks): Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.
Practice
Write an answer
In 150 words, explain the significance of Ethics & Human Values with one recent example.
Flashcards (9)
Are values universal or changing?
Core near universal; expression changes.
Why social values matter for inclusive
growth? They make growth shared and lasting.
Corruption reflects failure of what (2023)?
Core values in society.
Three sources of values?
Family, society, education.
Kalam's three key societal members?
Father, mother and teacher.
When was NEP 2020 approved?
29 July 2020.
NEP 2020 school structure?
5+3+3+4.
NEP 2020 policy replaced?
National Policy on Education, 1986.
NEP 2020 higher-education GER target?
50% by 2035.
Read more: related explainers
Next topic · 1.3 →Ethics & Human Values: Leaders and case studiesSyllabus: GS-IV · Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-…