UPSC Mains 2014 · GS IV · Q3(b) · 10 marks · 150 words

“Human beings should always be treated as ‘ends’ in themselves and never as merely ‘means’.” Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in the modern techno-economic society.

हिन्दी में

“मनुष्यों के साथ सदैव उनको, अपने-आप में ‘लक्ष्य’ मानकर व्यवहार करना चाहिए, कभी भी उनको केवल ‘साधन’ नहीं मानना चाहिए।” आधुनिक तकनीकी-आर्थिक समाज में इस कथन के निहितार्थों का उल्लेख करते हुए इसका अर्थ और महत्त्व स्पष्ट कीजिए।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: ““May you live your life as if the maxim of your actions were to become universal law.””

Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 168 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

The above quote emphasizes upon leading by setting an example for rest of the world, as it has been argued that 'An action speaks louder than 1000 speeches.'

Body · points

Living life so that actions become universal law

  1. Great Acts of great people are often cited as examples, anecdotes which inspires young generations. Ex: Abhimanyu & Chakravyuh

  2. If Ethical conducts are replicated, it has important implications for Individual, society as well as their nation. Ex: Gandhijis Ahimsa & India's tolerance.

(3) This places added responsibility upon people in positions of power to act ethically & justifyingly.

(4) Idea of Reciprocity : Good conduct is often reciprocated & creates common good for all.

If Individuals do not act Responsibly their actions can't be stated as maxim for others to follow & are often criticized. Ex: Hitler, Duryodhan etc.

Diagram
4 Tenels of Kant's C.I. Humanity | Universality as Ends | in itself v Equality

Immanuel Kant stressed greatly upon human conduct which could be taken up as role model by others. society needs more of such leaders who can devote their life to such ideals.

Close · a summary

None written.

6 more toppers’ answers to this question, part by part, and how they all approached it: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2014, General Studies Paper IV, Q3(b). The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.