empathy

Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is, the capacity to place oneself in another's position.[1] There are many definitions for empathy that encompass a broad range of emotional states. Types of empathy include cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and somatic empathy.

Compassion and sympathy are terms associated with empathy. Definitions vary, contributing to the challenge of defining empathy. Compassion is often defined as an emotion we feel when others are in need, which motivates us to help them. Sympathy is a feeling of care and understanding for someone in need. Some include in sympathy an empathic concern, a feeling of concern for another, in which some scholars include the wish to see them better off or happier.^[13]

Empathy is distinct also from pity and emotional contagion.^[13] Pity is feeling that another is in trouble and in need of help as they cannot fix their problems themselves, often described as "feeling sorry" for someone. Emotional contagion is when a person (especially an infant or a member of a mob) imitatively "catches" the emotions that others are showing without necessarily recognizing this is happening.^[14]

Some research suggests that people are more able and willing to empathize with those most similar to themselves. In particular, empathy increases with similarities in culture and living conditions. Empathy is more likely to occur between individuals whose interaction is more frequent

 indicators for a lack of empathy:

1. Frequently finding oneself in prolonged arguments
2. Forming opinions early and defending them vigorously
3. Thinking that other people are overly sensitive
4. Refusing to listen to other points of view
5. Blaming others for mistakes
6. Not listening when spoken to
7. Holding grudges and having difficulty to forgive
8. Inability to work in a team^{[citation needed]}

GS 4 QUESTIONS

Day – 2 

1. In your opinion, which factors affect most – in the present socio-economic milieu – an individual’s ethical behaviour in a society? (150 Words)

Reference

An individual's ethical behaviour is shaped by the socioeconomic realities and values of the time. What was ethical in the past isn't anymore and this may change in the future. Presently, following factors affect an individual's ethical behaviour in a society:
1. Consumerism vs Environmentalism: There is a tussle between the two and everyday ethical behaviour must balance environmental concerns. 
2. Rising Inequality and the Principle of trusteeship: The current world is starkly unequal. In this regard, as Gandhiji said,those who are wealthy should see themselves as the trustees of public wealth.
3. Technology vs Nature: Technology is a double edged sword. For all the benefits that accompany it, there is a slew of ethical concerns rising from the potential misuse of it. This has to be kept in mind.
4. Vasudhaiv Kutumbkum vs Economic and Territorial Protectionism: Immigration has risen and economic protectionism is on the roll. This brings to fore the dilemma of treating the whole world as family competing with the narrow interests.

It is important that we take into account the ethical concerns rising in the society. Otherwise, the step forward would not be sustainable.

2. “I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self.”  Comment.  (150 Words)

 ************

Lord Buddha rightly identified desires to be root cause of miseries in the human world. In a world where self is at the centre of a person's scheme of things, this becomes more important than ever. 
1. An enemy can be won over by various means. He or she can be persuaded, influenced, reasoned with etc. but our desires can't. Desires seek fulfilment of sensory pleasures which are innate to us. Hence, to get rid of a desire is extremely difficult.
2. An enemy is not forever around. He or she has his or her own world which is to be lived but desires reside within us. At every moment, they nudge us to fulfil them, making us commit sins at times.
3. An enemy can never know us completely. Deep within we all have our secrets which are unknown to others. Desires know us all. They know our weaknesses. They understand our sensitivities.

Hence, someone who overcomes his desires is indeed braver than one who conquers his enemies. It is for this reason, Lord Mahavira could became Jina only after controlling his sensory organs and hence, desires.

***********

alexander who conquered large parts of Asia but was unable to conquer his arrogance ,anger & ego & is said to have committed many dastardly acts.
& the buddha who had the option of becoming a world conqueror but chose to conquer self.

3. Define the following with suitable examples:

a) Consequentialism

b) Non-consequentialism

c) Moral absolutism

d) Meta-ethics

e) Normative ethics

Reference

1. At the heart of ethics is a concern about something or someone other than ourselves and our own desires and self-interest. Discuss. (150 Words)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/introduction/intro_1.shtml#h3

EXAMPLE - PWD ENGINEER HONEST AND INTERGRITY MEANS - PROTECT THE LIFE OF CITIZEN . though engineer held to other principles it concerns others

Universal ethics - truth beauty love beyond the own desires and self interest

2. Recent scientific advancements increasingly allow humans to improve everything from memory to appearance. Discuss the ethical issues involved in human enhancement.  (150 Words)

MIT

manufacturing of human akin to "playing God."

principle of equality, disparity widens, poor cannot afford.

memory and appearance higher than other qualities, people with undesired traits can be seen as a burden

morally undesirable forms of enhancement can be created

if a person uses a technological shortcut to achieve a goal, that choice may decrease the accomplishment's value. For instance, if a mountaineer reaches a summit using a helicopter rather than by physically climbing the mountain, that undermines the achievement's value.

issues surrounding human enhancements is the question of governance.

3. Define the following with suitable examples:

a) Ethics

b) Human Ethics

c) Human Action

d) Action of Human

human Acts
Human acts are actions done intentionally, free, and deliberate of a person.

These are actions that a man properly master for he does them with full knowledge and of his own will. 

Human Acts
Acts which proceed from a deliberate freewill.
A man is fully responsible with the consequences of his acts.
Involves and man’s responsibility and accountability of the results of his/her actions. 

Essential attributes of Human Acts
KNOWLEDGE

FREEDOM

VOLUNTARINESS
KNOWLEDGE
An act is done knowingly, when the doer is conscious (all senses are active, sensory-perception is functional) and aware of the reason and the consequences on his actions. 

Knowledge is supplied by the intellect and it directs the will to want the object it proposes. 

FREEDOM
An act is done when the doer acts by his own initiative and choice without being forced to do so by another person or situation. 

It makes the doer the father of his acts and thus, the doer is responsible for those acts. He can acknowledge that he has done them because he wanted to and he can explain why he wanted to do them. 

VOLUNTARINESS
An act is done willfully when the doer consents to the acts, accepting it as his own, and assumes accountability for its consequences. 
It is naturally inclined to the good, but man may sometimes deliberately choose evil.
ACTS OF MAN
Acts of man are instinctive, such as physiological in nature.
These are actions done under the circumstances of ignorance, passion, fear, violence, and habits.
Acts that are performed by men without being master of them through his intellect and will, therefore acts of man are involuntary actions.

ACTS OF MAN
Acts of persons without the proper use of reason. For example, children or innate persons.
Acts of people asleep or under the influence or other drugs. The loss of direct responsibility is voluntary, however, the power of will might still be present.

Actions are done under the circumstances of :
Primo-primi acts or acts that are quick and nearly automatic reactions.


Ignorance

In general, it is a lack of knowledge regarding a certain thing.
Passion


Fear


Violence



Habits
Is a mental agitation brought on by the apprehension of some present or imminent danger.
Is a constant disposition that tends to influence one to perform repeatedly similar actions
Is a force exerted on a person by another in order to compel him to perform a certain action against his will.
Considered as mental responses, either tendencies towards desirable objects or tendencies away from undesirable objects.

7)Discuss why ethical standards are important in the delivery of public services.(250 words)

because: ■ outcomes for society are better when the decisions of public office holders are made fairly and on merit and not influenced by personal and private interests; ■ low levels of corruption and confidence in the integrity of the trading and operating environment are crucial factors in the functioning of advanced democracies; ■ high standards benefit the economy through their effect on international confidence; ■ impartiality and objectivity increases predictability, which improves economic efficiency; ■ Governments which are not perceived to uphold high standards have less legitimacy and basic public institutions such as tax and benefit systems rely on public trust to function effectively

list of Social Virtues

like egalitarianism, equality, equity and efficiency

CASES
1.Clinical trials
principles have been described as guiding the conduct of ethical research:
 Social and clinical value
 Scientific validity
 Fair subject selection
 Favourable risk-benefit ratio
 Independent review
 Informed consent

 Respect for potential and enrolled subjects
Ethical issues involved in clinical trials:
 Lack of informed consent:
 Principle of Utilitarian approach where more emphasis on maximum good to more number of people at the cost of individual rights is followed.
 Corruption:-
 Lack of adequate representation:-
 Lack of volunteer honesty:-
 Lack of transparency :-


Acid attack
social stigma in the society and women is often blamed for the incident and doesn’t let an acid survivor lead a normal life after the attack. 
 Patriarchal authority 
 In the old order, women were docile and obedient. In the burgeoning order, women are independent. If they wish to end a relationship, they just do. These are things people accustomed to a sense of male entitlement cannot take. In their world view, a woman should be grateful for any interest a man shows in her.
 It is often seen as a male thing to chase a woman. And sadly, that is what Bollywood too portrays most of the time. Eve teasing, stalking a love object is an accepted behaviour in Indian society, and jilted love is a major reason for many acid attacks in our country.
 Men resort to violent attacks as women assert themselves by challenging men’s authority and expectations.
 When a man throws acid on a woman, his intention is to subjugate her and show her who is in charge.
 Societal preference for son over daughter – Geeta Mohar’s husband poured acid on her for giving him a daughter and not a son.
 Acid is easily available in any town or village or a city. Supreme court passed an order regarding acid sale but governments have not taken enough action.
    conviction rate is very low 

answering the gs theory part

1.Think of personalities from the below list
2.Think of concepts propounded by great leaders.
3. Real life examples

4. Be practical, your approach should be legal and ethical as well.

Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;

Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds,

challenges of corruption.

probity

ˈprəʊbɪti,ˈprɒbɪti/

noun

formal

1. the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.

Oxford defines probity as “the quality or condition of having strong moral principles; integrity, good character, honesty, decency”

Therefore  " Probity in Governance means Institutions and structures including its members exhibiting strong moral principles like honest, integrity,decency etc"

Probity in governance is an essential and vital requirement for

1. an efficient and effective system of governance and 
2. for socio-economic development. 

Requisite for ensuring probity

An important requisite for ensuring probity in governance is absence of corruption. The other requirements are effective laws, rules and regulations governing every aspect of public life and, more important, an effective and fair implementation of those laws, etc. Indeed, a proper, fair and effective enforcement of law is a facet of discipline. 

Unfortunately for India, discipline is disappearing fast from public life and without discipline, as the Scandinavian economist- sociologist, Gunnyar Myrdal, has pointed out, no real progress is possible. 

Discipline implies inter alia public and private morality and a sense of honesty. While in the West a man who rises to positions of higher authority develops greater respect for laws, the opposite is true in our country. Here, the mark of a person holding high position is the ease with which he can ignore the laws and regulations. We are being swamped by a culture of indiscipline and untruth; morality, both public and private, is at a premium. This paper explores whether some legislative measures can be designed to ensure probity in governance. 

It is true that instilling a sense of discipline among the citizens is more the function of the society, its leaders, political parties and public figures and less a matter which can be legislated upon. Even so, things have come to such a pass that measures need to be contemplated. 

After reading the above we get to understand that Laws are need to enforce probity

so only the syllabus has included 

RTI

COE

COC

CC 

WC

QOS

UPf


Objectives
1. To ensure accountability and transparency.
2. To ensure compliance with processes.
3. To maintain the confidence of people in the administration.
4 .maintaining the integrity and decorum of public service.
5. For better implementation of the government programme.

Challenges of corruption

Define corruption: Corruption is an abuse of public resources or position in public life for private gain. 

Two dimensions of corruption. One is the exploitative corruption where the public servant exploits the helpless poor citizen. The other is collusive corruption where the citizen corrupts the public servant by a bribe because he gets financially better benefits. Collusive corruption depends on black money

The scope for corruption increases when control on the public administrators is fragile and the division of power between political, executive and bureaucracy is ambiguous. Political corruption which is sometimes inseparable from bureaucratic corruption tends to be more widespread in authoritarian regimes where the public opinion and the Press are unable to denounce corruption. 

"The paradox of India, however, is that in spite of a vigilant press and public opinion, the level of corruption is exceptionally high."Explain why?

1. This may be attributed to the utter insensitivity, lack of shame and the absence of any sense of public morality among the bribe-takers. Indeed, they wear their badge of corruption and shamelessness with equal élan and brazenness. 
2. The increase of opportunities in State intervention in economic and social life has vastly increased the opportunity for political and bureaucratic corruption, more particularly since politics has also become professionalized. 
3. Corruption has flourished because one does not see adequately successful examples of effectively prosecuted cases of corruption. Cases, poorly founded upon, half-hearted and incomplete investigation, followed by a tardy and delayed trial confluence a morally ill-deserved but a legally inevitable acquittal. 
4. The acceptance of corruption as an inexorable reality has led to silent reconciliation and resignation to such wrongs.
5.  We have professional politicians who are politicians on a full time basis, even when out of office. India is rated at 73 out of 99 countries in the corruption perception index prepared by a non-governmental organisation, Transparency International. 

Threats due to corruption?Impacts of corruption?

1. Corruption today poses a danger to the quality of governance 
2. Threatening the very foundations of our society and the State. 
3. Corruption in defence purchases, in other purchases and contracts tend to undermine the very security of the State. 
4. Some of the power contracts are casting such financial burden upon some of the States that the very financial viability of those States has fallen into doubt. 
5. There seems to be a nexus between terrorism, drugs, smuggling, and politicians, a fact which was emphasized in the Vohra Committee Report. 

2.2 Corruption has flourished because one does not see adequately successful examples of effectively prosecuted cases of corruption. Cases, poorly founded upon, half-hearted and incomplete investigation, followed by a tardy and delayed trial confluence a morally ill-deserved but a legally inevitable acquittal. 

The acceptance of corruption as an inexorable reality has led to silent reconciliation and resignation to such wrongs. There needs to be a vital stimulation in the social consciousness of our citizens – that is neither has a place in the personal nor social ª. It is true that the present process of withdrawing the State from various sectors in which it should have never entered or in which it is not capable of performing efficiently may reduce the chances of corruption to some extent but even if we migrate to a free market economy, there has to be regulation of economy as distinct from restrictions upon the industrial activity. The requirements of governance would yet call for entering into contracts, purchases and so on. 

Role of citizen/common man in reducing corruption?

1. acceptance of corruption as an inexorable reality has led to silent reconciliation and resignation to such wrongs. There needs to be a vital stimulation in the social consciousness of our citizens

2. Combating corruption in the region is not just about punishing corrupt politicians and bureaucrats but about saving human lives. There are two dimensions of corruption. One is the exploitative corruption where the public servant exploits the helpless poor citizen. The other is collusive corruption where the citizen corrupts the public servant by a bribe because he gets financially better benefits. Collusive corruption depends on black money

Role of State ?

1.withdrawing the State from various sectors in which it should have never entered or in which it is not capable of performing efficiently may reduce the chances of corruption to some extent

2.Reducing the chances of corruption.

3.Inadequacies in the criminal judicial system have to be redressed.

4.through transparent competition and on merit

Public servant
 lack of transparency, nepotism and arbitrariness

"Discipline is more important in combating corruption"?

2.3 The Scandinavian economist-sociologist, Gunnyar Myrdal, had described the Indian society as a ‘soft society’. He also clarified what the expression ‘soft society’ means. According to him, a soft society is: (a) one which does not have the political will to enact the laws necessary for its progress and development and/or does not possess the political will to implement the laws, even when made, and (b) where there is no discipline. In fact, he has stressed the second aspect more than the first. According to him, if there is no discipline in the society, no real or meaningful development or progress is possible. It is the lack of discipline in the society - which expression includes the administration and structures of governance at all levels - that is contributing to corruption. 

Corruption and indiscipline feed upon each other. One way of instilling the discipline among the society may be to reduce the chances of corruption and to deal with it sternly and mercilessly wherever it is found. For this purpose, the inadequacies in the criminal judicial system have to be redressed. Corruption is also anti-poor. Take, for example, the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the welfare schemes for the poor including Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). It is well-known that a substantial portion of grain, sugar and kerosene oil meant for PDS goes into black-market and that hardly 16% of the funds meant for STs and SCs reach them – all the rest is misappropriated by some of the members of the political and official class and unscrupulous dealers and businessmen. 

Certain measures required to be taken for ensuring probity in governance:

Need for enforcing section 5 of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988:

Misfeasance in Public Office – A Remedy

Necessity for a law providing for confiscation of illegally acquired assets of public servant

Strengthening of the Criminal Judicial System 

Ethics in corruption

nepotism, bribery, and extortion.

This includes acts like bribery, illegal campaign contributions, laundering of funds, consumer frauds, environmental pollution, price fixing, embezzlement, income-tax fraud, and computer break-ins.

three categories of corruption, incidental or individual; institutional; systemic or societal. Incidental or individual corruption compares with what Tanzi describes as petty corruption whereas systemic corruption would be closely associated with fraud or grand corruption. Systemic or entrenched corruption describes a situation where major institutions and processes of the state are routinely dominated and used by corrupt people and where many citizens have few practical alternatives to dealing with corrupt officials. This type of corruption features in societies characterized by low political competition, low and uneven economic growth, a weak civil society and an absence of institutional control mechanisms
According to the normative ethics literature, most decisionmakers rely on notions of consequences when faced with ethical dilemmas. Ferrell, Fraedrich and Ferrell (2002) refer to two main teleological principles, utilitarianism and egoism

Probity in Private organisation

1. Recruitment
2. Tender process- transparent and open; where bids are assessed on their merits. Potential and actual bidders are treated equally and impartially
3. Conduct of board members

                  Conflict of interest Policy – This identifies what could constitute a conflict of interest and applies to all who influence decisions. Its purpose is to ensure that decision-making is independent and in the best interests of the organisation.

                  Declaration of Interest form – Board members complete the form annually, identifying commercial interests, membership of, or employment by, organisations where potential competing interests could exist. 

                  Code of Conduct – This set of standards describes behaviour and ethics reasonably expected of Board members, staff and volunteers. It relates to personal behaviour, use of the organisation’s information and documents, fraudulent and corrupt actions. The code would be signed by all Board members, staff and volunteers on joining the organisation. 

                  Delegations Chart – Delegations of authority establish who is empowered to make decisions or take action on behalf of an organisation. Delegations must be supported by policy and can be rescinded if necessary

Probity in Judiciary 
judiciary is the last hope for a victim or an accused who has been framed. I would expect the same of the police and the medical profession. Neither can deviate from ethics without causing harm to society.

• Judge hearing case related to him- conflict of interest
• Corruption in judgements, promotions

Solutions:

• internal safeguards that will not permit such misconduct.
• NJAC

Technology as tool for probity in governance/Egovernance
Reducing he people to people to contact reduces the chances of corruption

1. Computerisation for approvals
2. E-tenders and bidding process
3. DBT of Funds
4. examples................... pds reforms in chattisgarh, e-seva in andhra pradesh, bhoomi project in karnataka, e-nam in karnataka, e-registration in Bihar, 
5. for govermnet ot citizen interaction mygov, 
6. for govt to govt pragati program, Jam useful ness,

Why Quality of Service Delivery needed?

The Golden Rule (which can be considered a law of reciprocity in some religions) is the principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated. It is a maxim that is found in many religions and cultures.^[1][2] The maxim may appear as either a positive or negative injunction governing conduct:

• One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself (positive or directive form).
• One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated (negative or prohibitive form).^[1]
• What you wish upon others, you wish upon yourself (empathic or responsive form).^[1]

The Golden Rule differs from the maxim of reciprocity captured in do ut des—"I give so that you will give in return"—and is rather a unilateral moral commitment to the well-being of the other without the expectation of anything in return

link: https://selfstudyhistory.com/2015/04/08/gs-paper-4-quality-of-service-delivery/

Examples

1.Allocation of coal blocks and spectrum in transparent manner

2.police force for being perceived as principal violators of the law, exhibiting rude behaviour, abusive language, lack of professionalism

3. Principal of a CBSE school getting bribe for admission under SC/ST quota

For Case studies

Use the highlighted words/phrases/sentences along with your answer.

General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains

General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains

• Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions;dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

• Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

• Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship,

objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.

• Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

• Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

• Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;

Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds,

challenges of corruption.

• Case Studies on above issues.