1
DAILY
CLASS NOTES
ETHICS
Lecture – 09
Determinants of Ethics (Part-02)
2
Determinants of Ethics (Part-02)
Domain of Ethics:
❖ Human beings have two dimensions: Human beings as Rational beings and Emotive beings.
1) Human as a Rational Being (Public Life):
✓ Rational Being means the humans act according to the Horizons.
✓ Rational well being is associated with homogeneous identity.
✓ The rules are uniform when humans act as rational beings.
✓ It is related to ethics in public relations.
2) Human as an Emotive Being (Personal Life):
✓ It means humans have emotions.
✓ Emotional well being is associated with heterogeneous identities.
✓ The ethics of heterogeneous identity are due to religious diversity, and for religious diversity there
are personal laws.
✓ It is associated with ethics in private relationships.
Domain of Ethics: (How To Solve Dilemmas)
❖ In the domain of ethics, solving dilemmas involves evaluating moral conflicts by considering principles,
consequences, and ethical theories.
❖ Ethical decision-making seeks to strike a balance between conflicting values and achieve the best ethical
outcome.
❖ Dilemmas in Private Life Versus Ethics in Private Life:
➢ For example: Facial Recognition Technology (FCT) is being used for various purposes, from law
enforcement to border control to citizen services. And their differing concerns about privacy, civil
liberties, and state surveillance in private life.
➢ In such dilemma, the decision can be taken as:
✓ Non use of facial recognition technology (FCT) goes against the theory of relativism.
✓ The demand of citizens regarding FCT concerns is consistent with the theory of relativism and theory
of subjectivity.
✓ Use of FCT should be based on objective value like crime rate, immigration check, national
security, etc
Ethics in Private Relationship:
❖ It is also called Ethics of a diversity, Ethics of heterogeneity, Ethics of pluralism, Ethics of emotive well being,
Ethics of subjectivity and relativism.
❖ To study ethics in private relationships, it is necessary to understand what kind of values are required, which
theories should be used (multiculturalism , relativism, pluralism) and what should be the code of conduct.
Ethics of Public Life:
❖ This ethics ends at material well being and material development.
3
❖ The main role in material development is reason.
❖ It is desired for the common well being.
❖ It is associated with development and progress of all.
Objective of Ethics In Public Relationship:
❖ Inclusive development
❖ Scientific temperament
❖ Social progress
❖ Material welding
❖ To maximize capabilities and skills
❖ In this concept all citizens are the same and everyone will have equal uniform rights and uniform laws.
❖ Public life is associated with development and progress of all.
➢ Public Life: Public life refers to activities, organizations, and interactions that impact society as a whole,
such as politics, government, civic engagement, and public policies.
➢ Identifying False Issues: To determine if an issue is false, use fact-checking, multiple credible sources,
critical thinking, expert opinions, and consider the context.
➢ Values and Ethical Theories: In public life, important values include transparency, accountability,
justice, democracy, and ethical theories like utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics guide ethical
behavior.
➢ Dilemmas and Disputes: In public life, dilemmas and disputes between stakeholders may arise due to
conflicting interests.
✓ Resolve them by identifying stakeholders, conducting ethical analysis, seeking compromise,
involving the public, and ensuring transparency and accountability.
Theories of Ethics In Public Relationship:
❖ The theories which support ethics in public relationship or theory of democracy, theory of liberalism and theory
of secularism. Here, the identity of humans is either individual or human being.
Values of Ethics In Public Relationship:
❖ The values supporting ethics in public relationships are non discrimination, impartiality , objectivity, etc.
➢ Example: According to the articles 15 and 16 of Indian Constitution, there should be no discrimination
on the basis of race, sex,etc.
Liberalism:
❖ Liberalism is a philosophical and political framework that places a strong emphasis on individual rights,
personal freedom, and the protection of human dignity.
➢ Ethically, liberalism values the autonomy and agency of individuals, promoting a society where every
person has the opportunity to pursue their own values and live according to their own beliefs, as long as
this does not infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others.
➢ It is rooted in the ethical principle of respecting the inherent worth and potential of each human being,
regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.
4
❖ Ideal in Liberalism:
➢ Aims to create a society where people can flourish and lead fulfilling lives.
➢ Ethical ideals include justice, fairness, and the promotion of human well-being.
➢ Encourages a world where diversity and pluralism are celebrated.
❖ Liberty in a Liberal Society:
➢ A core ethical value in liberalism.
➢ It implies the right to make choices, express oneself, and live freely within ethical boundaries.
➢ Balances personal autonomy with the responsibility to not infringe on the equal liberty of others.
❖ Liberal State:
➢ Rooted in principles of justice, equality, and individual rights.
➢ Ethical responsibility to safeguard the well-being and freedoms of citizens.
➢ Upholds the rule of law, equal opportunities, and the prevention of discrimination.
❖ Liberal Economy:
➢ Values economic freedom, competition, and opportunity.
➢ Encourages ethical business practices and the pursuit of economic prosperity.
➢ Emphasizes the fair distribution of resources, economic justice, and social welfare.
Secularism:
❖ Secularism is a concept that advocates the separation of religion and the state, creating a society where public
affairs, laws, and governance are not influenced by religious doctrines.
➢ It is a cornerstone of a democratic and pluralistic society that respects individual autonomy and diverse
belief systems.
➢ When we consider secularism in the context of building a scientific society, we find ethical principles that
guide us towards progress, fairness, and the responsible use of knowledge.
❖ Freedom of Belief: Secularism champions the ethical principle of freedom of belief, ensuring that individuals
have the autonomy to follow their religious or non-religious convictions.
➢ In a scientific society, respecting this freedom is essential, promoting ethical pluralism and tolerance for
diverse perspectives.
❖ Equality: Ethical values of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of secularism.
➢ A scientific society seeks to create an equitable environment where all individuals, regardless of their
beliefs, have equal access to education, opportunities, and benefits of scientific progress.
❖ Knowledge and Inquiry: In a scientific society, the pursuit of knowledge is a fundamental ethical endeavor.
➢ Secularism encourages open inquiry and critical thinking, pushing us to seek rational and evidence-based
explanations for natural and social phenomena.
❖ Ethical Responsibility: In such a society, there is an ethical responsibility to utilize scientific knowledge for
the betterment of humanity and the environment.
➢ This includes addressing ethical dilemmas posed by scientific advancements, such as bioethics and
environmental ethics.
5
❖ Respect for Ethical Boundaries: While secularism respects the separation of religion and state, it also
acknowledges that ethical values guide human behavior.
➢ A scientific society recognizes these values as a foundation for laws, policies, and ethical conduct.
Democracy:
❖ Form of Government: Democracy is a political system where power is vested in the people.
➢ It enables citizens to participate in the decision-making processes of their nation, elect representatives,
and hold their leaders accountable through regular, free, and fair elections.
❖ Values: Democracy is built upon fundamental ethical values, including equality, liberty, justice, and individual
rights.
➢ It promotes the equal treatment of all citizens, safeguards personal freedoms, ensures access to
opportunities, and strives to create a just society.
❖ Culture: Democracy fosters a culture of open dialogue, tolerance, and respect for diverse perspectives.
➢ It encourages citizens to engage in civil discourse, celebrate diversity, and uphold the principles of
fairness and inclusivity.
❖ Form of Life: In a democratic society, participation in civic life is not just a privilege but a responsibility.
➢ It is a way of life where individuals actively engage in the political process, express their opinions, and
contribute to the common good.
➢ Democracy empowers people to collectively shape their government, reinforcing values like equality and
liberty in their everyday lives.
