ETHICS

 

ETHICS

The word Ethics comes from the ancient Greek Word 'ethos' which means character and personal dispositions. It is the philosophical study of moral phenomena.

Ethics the study of moral principles and how people should behave in different situations. It includes ideas about what is right and wrong. It basically explores topics such as how to live a good life, rights and responsibilities and moral decisions. It also involves examining one’s own standards to ensure that they are reasonable and well-founded.

ETHICS is pragmatic with deep meaning. It is an amalgam of several qualities:

E: Earnestness

T: Truthfulness

H: Humanitarianism

I: Integrity

C: Communal harmony

S: Social sensibility

Allow me to elaborate these qualities

Earnestness: It denotes seriousness and zeal in intention, purpose or effort, depth and sincerity of feeling. If you speak with conviction and earnestness, people watching and listening will believe you.

Truthfulness: the quality of being honest and avoiding telling any lies. It is the quality that paves way for smoothness on path of life.

Humanitarianism:  A person having humanitarian outlook is concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare and happiness. A person endowed with humanitarian outlook is a benefactor, helping people or Institutions.

Integrity: the quality of being honest and loyal and having strong moral principles, uprightness and unification.

Social sensibility: It is the ability to understand and perceive how others are feeling and to respect their viewpoints It is also the ability to recognize social context and to react quickly and appropriately to social interactions.

Just quoting a small incident

School was just over and some students were standing, waiting to cross the road. One of the boys observed an old lady, hesitatingly standing on the road and waiting for somebody to help her cross the road. He immediately rushed to her, held her hand and helped her cross the road smoothly. The other boys asked him, “Why are you helping her? Is she your grandmother?” The boy promptly replied, “She is not my grandmother; but she is surely grandmother of some or other fellow, who is not here right now to help her. So, it is my duty to help her.”

Now, this feeling, where from it got originated; obviously from family. He had been observing that elders in his family were paid due respect and rendered help without asking for it. He applied the same empathy in his practical life.

 Community centric education has a vital role in building strong connections between students, school and the communities in which they live. Their approach to education is focused on creating a learning environment, that is not only academically rigorous, but also socially and culturally responsive to the needs of the community. This education helps to develop a sense of responsibility and civic engagement, promoting skills of team work, problem solving and a sense of belongingness with society.

 Human values are crucial for fostering empathy and compassion. They create a sense of balance, purpose and meaning. By constantly applying these values, individuals can create a positive impact on themselves and around them, contributing to a better world for all.

 Role of Media is significant in developing values and morality. One of the most significant ways in which media shapes morality is through the portrayal of characters and storylines. Characters on TV and in films, often help up as role models and the way in which they behave have a significant impact on how viewers perceive right and wrong.

 Ethics is like fragrance of flowers that is carried far- far away in air, though not apparently visible. It is like showers of rain that infuse purifying atmosphere. It has chastising effect on all human beings. Ethical values serve as a guiding force for individuals to make decisions that align with their principles and beliefs. They help individuals to understand the consequences of their actions and provide them a framework of ethical decision making. When ethical values are integrated into an individua’s life, they promote a sense of accountability and responsibility, encouraging them to act in the best interests of themselves and others. They create an environment where individuals can connect with others and feel a sense of belonging.

(My Presentation as a Resource Person  on topic of Ethics in two days Interdisciplinary Council, organized by International Council of Ethics and World Poetry Conference, conducted at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Mahavidhyala, Pune, on 14th & 15th October, 2024)

 Rajni Chhabra