UPSC Mains 2023 · GS IV · Q5(a) · 10 marks · 150 words

Is conscience a more reliable guide when compared to laws, rules and regulations in the context of ethical decision-making ? Discuss.

हिन्दी में

नैतिक निर्णय लेने के सन्दर्भ में जब कानून, नियमों और अधिनियमों की तुलना की जाती है तो क्या अंतरात्मा की आवाज़ अधिक विश्वसनीय मार्गदर्शक है ? चर्चा कीजिए ।

Sources of Ethical Guidance

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Examine the role of laws, rules, and regulations as sources of ethical guidance in public administration. How can Individual conscience be integrated into the decision-making process?”

KoshinderAIR 588 · CSE 2023 · 87 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Legislative framework and conscience is essential for effective decision making in public administration.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
- Role of Laws, rules and regulations - Sets boundary for Code of Conduct. - Fixes accountability - Brings transparency - Sets some values like responsibility, truth, objectivity - Essential for smooth function of public administration - Helpful in trust building to connect people with government.

Role of Conscience

  1. Helps in ethical decision making when law fails to fulfill its obligation.

  2. Helps in fulfilling duty in responsible manner by abiding to ethical values of individual and society.

  3. Helps in providing social justice to people.

  4. Helps in upholding humanity in public administration.

  5. Helps in effective confidence building measure between people and administration.

Close · a summary

Therefore, legislative framework and conscience are essential for effective decision making in public administration.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper IV, Q5(a). The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.