Philosophical basis of Integrity, social justice and humanitarian concerns are essential components of a fair and inclusive society. In the subject of Ethics, these values guide individuals and institutions to uphold equality, dignity, and compassion for all, especially the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society.
Previous year Questions related to Philosophical basis of Integrity, Social justice and humanitarian concerns
Philosophical basis of Integrity
| Year | Question | Marks |
| 2016 | What do you understand about Integrity in Civil Service ? | 5M |
| 2018 | Explain the measures taken to enhance the integrity of administration in India. | 10M |
Social justice and humanitarian concerns
| Year | Question | Marks |
| 2013 | Give three suggestions to make civil servants more compassionate towards the weaker sections of society. | 5M |
| 2018 | Extremism is dangerous. How can we avoid it ? | 5M |
| 2013 | Give three suggestions to make civil servants more compassionate towards the weaker sections of society. | 5M |
Integrity
- The term integrity comes from the Latin word in-tangere, which means untouched (Hence uncompromisable principles).
- Strict adherence to moral principles irrespective of place, time and context (complete refusal to be compromised).
- Integrity is soundness of moral principles.
- Wisdom is knowing the right path, integrity is walking on it.
- Civil service conduct rules demand ‘absolute integrity’ . It will save you from any political pressure. If you are an upright officer who has never earned under the table, politicians know this. They will never have the courage to come to your office and make unfair demands. In bureaucracy, there are no secrets. But if they already know that Saahab khoob khaate hain (Officer makes money from unfair means), they will approach you. And in that case, the officer loses the moral authority to not entertain their corrupt demands. Not Every politician is evil and not every officer is a victim.
- An officer with integrity would never succumb to the pressure of seniors, relatives or any family member even if he/she has to compromise with personal relationships at that moment. He/she would do the right thing only because it is right.
- Integrity at the workforce increases efficiency of the organisation.
- It increases trust b/w various stakeholders.
- Helps in taking the most appropriate decision while in a dilemma. Avoid situations like conflict of interest.
Mahatma Gandhi –
- Chora Chori incident (called off NCM)
- Harmony in thought, Speech and action.
- He was ready to help Britishers in WW-II as it was against his moral principles to take advantage of the vulnerability of Britishers at that time. Also as a part of the empire, he thought it was the moral duty of India to help Britishers at that time while keeping the demand for freedom at highest priority.
Note – Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.
Philosophical basis of Integrity
| Basis | Concepts that leads to Integrity |
| Inner conviction | Conscience (Gandhi)Spiritual enlightenment (Buddha)Inherent moral values (Values like compassion might be genetic)According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers estimate that 30-60% of kindness is genetically determined. |
| Ancient Indian Philosophy | Vedas – Rigveda (Rit and Rin)Upanishad, Geeta, Smrities, SanhitasPurusarthas – Dharma, Arth, Kaam and MokshaSatyamev Jayate – Mundaka UpanishadMaa Gridha Kasasyvidanam – IsavasyoupanishadChankya’s Arthashastra |
| Modern India | Vivekananda, Gandhi, Constitution, Preamble etc |
| Western Philosophy | Socrates – Knowledge is supremePlato-Harmonious functioning (Mind, Body and soul)Aristotle – Principle of Golden meanJohn Rawl – Veil of ignorance (Impartiality)Kant – Duty is supremeStoicism – Without suffering, Life can’t sustainJeremy Bentham – Your work should benefit maximum peopleMax Weber – Impersonal to avoid misuse of power.The movement of good governance by world bank 1992 (Special emphasis on integrity in administration). |
Social Justice
- Social justice refers to the fair division of resources, opportunities, and privileges in society and empowerment of all sections of the society (ROPE)
- World day of social justice by UN – 20 February
Why is Social Justice required ?
- For peaceful and prosperous society
- Celebration of Diversity and Promotion of dignity of mankind (Kant)
- Efficient use of mother earth resources (Utilitarianism)
- Maximizing the happiness in society (Aristotle’s summon bonnum)
- John Rawls theory of social justice
- Duty of the state (Deontology, DPSP articles)
- Article 38 – Securing and protecting a social order that includes social, economic, and political justice b.
- Article 39 – The ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to sub serve the common good
- Loksangarha (Welfare of the society – Geeta)
- Sarvodaya and Antyodaya, Talisman (Gandhi)
Examples
- American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s
- Constitutional provisions – Article 14, 15, 16, 17
- Demand for reservation (Positive discrimination)
- Dalit movement of 1970s
- Govt schemes for poor and marginalized
- Anna Hazare movement (Against Corruption)
- Tribal movements – Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti in Odisha
- LGBTQ+ Rights Movement, Recognition of third gender
- Change in attitude – Disable to divyanjana
Humanitarian concerns
A humanitarian concern is defined as an event or a series of events that are threatening to humanity at large.
Humanitarian concern and their examples related to administration
Natural Disasters (Earthquake, Tsunami, Flood)
- Nepal earthquake 2015 – Indian administrative machinery played an important role in Operation Maitri by supplying food, medicine, water, first aid etc.
- Kerala floods in 2018 – IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan worked continuously for 8 days without going home and another IAS officer MG Rajamanikyam carried rice sacks on his shoulder
- Tsunami 2004 – The Indian government provided relief assistance to other countries affected by the tsunami, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand, and Indonesia.
- Syria earthquake 2023 – Operation dost
Epidemics and Pandemics – COVID 19
- Bhilwara model (IAS Rajendra Bhatt and Tina Dabi)
- Police administration helped in strict lockdown
- Operation vaccine maitri (COVID vaccine to more than 100 countries)
Cross border crisis
- Evacuation of Indians from Ukraine (Operation Ganga), Syria, Afghanistan and sudan (Operation Kaveri)
Climate change
- Solar energy policy, Biofuel policy, work on renewable energy, schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, international forums like international solar alliance etc are designed, implemented and coordinated by able Indian administration.
- India in top 10 in climate change performance index.
Terrorism
- India is one of the countries with the largest peacekeeping forces in the UN.
Poverty
- Various schemes like national food security act, MGNREGA, PM Kisan
Political Refugee crisis
- Implementation of CAA – Saving persecuted minorities.
- India has hosted Tibetan refugees since the 1950s, providing them with shelter, education, and opportunities for livelihood.
- India has provided asylum to Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar.
Philosophical basis of Integrity, social justice and humanitarian concerns
FAQ (Previous year questions)
Recently, the District Magistrate of Gopalganj (Bihar) broke social taboos by publicly accepting food cooked by a lower caste widow for the midday meal scheme, sending a strong message against untouchability. This is a reflection of how ethical, value-driven administrative action can promote social reform on the ground.
Role of administration in social reform –
Social reform
Role of administration
Eradication of poverty
Poverty is the worst form of violence – Mahatma Gandhi
Following the principles of Sarvodaya and Lok Sangraha
Effective Implementation of government schemes like PM Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana, DBT schemes, pension schemes, Mudra Yojana etc
Cooperative movements [Ex – Verghese Kurien]
Women empowerment
“Yatr Narystu pujaye, Ramante Tatr devta”
Every human being is an end and hence should be treated equally – Kant
Ensuring compliance with the Vishaka guidelines, the Domestic Violence Act 2005, the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 etc
Effective implementation of schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PCPNDT Act, Ujjwala Yojana etc
Combating Corruption
(Whistleblowing)
“Maa Gridha Kasyas Vidnam” – don’t covet anybody’s money (Isha Upanishad)
Through Lokpal, the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988, the Right to Information Act 2005
Ex – Durga Shakti Nagpak, Satyendra Dubey, Ashok Khemka etc
Religious harmony
Respecting the principle of Universal brotherhood [Vashudev Kutumbkam]
Upholding constitutional values of secularism, equality, and fraternity
Article 25-28 [Right to freedom of religion]
Action against hate news, religious intolerance, fundamentalism etc
Education reforms
Implementation of NEP 2020
Imparting values like empathy, Compassion, and Courage among children
Inculcating Moral reasoning (Socrates) among children
Ex – Ex-Prabhakar Reddy, Andhra Pradesh cadre IAS officer, sent his children to a local government school = Leading through actions
Health reform
“Sarve bhavantu Sukhin, Sarve santu niramaya” – May all be happy, may all be free from illness
Regular inspection of Primary health centers by administrators
Implementation of schemes like PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras, Ayushman Bharat scheme, etc
Youth empowerment
Skill development among youth
Ex – “Collector Bro” is the nickname of N Prashanth, an IAS officer from Kerala, who gained popularity on social media for his active engagement with youth
As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”, administrators must embody the values they seek to promote in the society
Extremism is the quality or state of being extreme in political, social, religious and ideological views. It is because of intolerance, absolutism, and a lack of critical thinking.
It is dangerous because –
It leads to violence or even war [Hitler’s extremist views led to WW II]
Destroys Social Harmony – Might endanger the existence of a particular idea, class, religion or community [Threat to the Jewish community]
It is a breeding ground for terrorism [Ex – Religious fundamentalism]
Hinders Collective Good (Lok Sangrah) – Extremist acts are narrow and selfish, harming society’s well-being
Against the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
How can we avoid it?
By inculcating critical thinking – Socrates emphasized “Know Thyself” and questioned blind beliefs through reasoning. He believed ignorance is the root of evils like extremism
Building a just society, as suggested by Plato – The rulers must be people with wisdom so that extremist ideas are not propagated
Principle of the golden mean – Extremism represents an excess of belief, behavior, or emotion. Moderation in speech, thought, and action helps avoid it
Gandhi’s temperance and Ahimsa – One should not harm anyone by thought, word or deed.
Ishaa Vaasyam Idam Sarvam – Because everything is part of God and hence deserves compassion.
Swami Vivekananda’s Universalism and Spiritual unity – Vivekananda emphasized the divinity of all beings, religious pluralism, and selfless service, which helps avoid extremism
Geeta’s Principle of Lok Sangrah (Welfare of All) – Extremism is rooted in self-centered or group-centered thinking. Acting with detachment and for the common good promotes harmony
Utilitarianism – Extremist actions often bring short-term gain for a few but long-term harm for many. Hence principle of utilitarianism leads to the greatest good for the greatest number
Embodying values like truth, justice, empathy, tolerance, and moderation
