“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand with illustrations from the modern context.

Relationship Mutually reinforcing

1] T.N. Seshan - said "I cherish my rigid attention to integrity", which gave him courage.

2] Integrity is strict adherence to moral principles which gives inner strength shaping courage of conviction.

Eg: IAS Durga Shakti Nagpal raided against the mafia showing courage by practising integrity.

3] Courage is the ability to be fearless in adverse situation, which allows to carry the moral principles of integrity.

Eg: Courage of Mahatma Gandhi - half naked fakir to fight against mighty British, far shaped his integrity.

However, along with Integrity and Courage one needs Empathy, Compassion, Perseverance which makes the interrelation holistic.

Integrity and Courage would lead to a just and ethical society (Ramrajya).

Peter Singer in the above quote explains the importance of emotion in reasoning to make a emotionally intelligent decision.

Eg: Gandhiji during Chauri Chaura using emotions with reason to halt the NCM movement.

Current Context

→ Emotion without reason is blind because it lacks the cognitive component of attitude.

Eg: Emotions in International Ethics leading to damage of soft power.

→ Over emotions lead to inefficient decision making which affects the long run.

Eg: Tripura DM slapping the groom during Covid lockdown despite having permission → later getting transfered.

→ Similarly, lack of emotion in reasoning leading to injustice and moral myopia.

Eg: India imposing sudden lockdown leading to migrant crisis.

→ Emotional bankruptcy makes poor governance even with most rational policy making.