GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

Besides objectivity, civil servants also need empathy and compassion to effectively resolve various ethical dilemmas they face while discharging their responsibilities. Discuss with suitable examples.

Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023

Syllabus: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

How toppers approached it

From all 3 answers · about 190 words · 67% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition2 of 3
  • No separate opening1 of 3

Body

  • Points3 of 3

Close

  • A summary2 of 3
  • A way forward1 of 3

The toppers’ answers

Kush MotwaniAIR 11 · CSE 2023 · 206 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Objectivity, empathy and compassion are foundational values for civil services, according to Nolan committee and 2nd ARC.

Body · points

Diagram
[Insight] - [Objectivity] - [Impartiality] | [Truth] | [Transparency] Figure I

Objectivity:

  1. Objectivity is defined as the process of decision making based on objective evaluations and facts and documents on record.

  2. According to Figure I, it is [core piece] of puzzle of ethical decision making.

  3. How it helps resolve ethical dilemmas:

  4. By elimination of biases and prejudices, hence, decisions taken according to ethical theories.

  5. For example, objective assessment of [prima facie principles] leads to decisions being taken in best interest of society. (WD ROSS)

  6. Objective assessment of duty leads to decisions being taken according to [deontology]. Eg: Agile decision making - Economic Survey 2022

EMPATHY and COMPASSION:

  1. [Empathy] is putting oneself into shoes of others and understand their beliefs / pain / etc.

  2. Compassion is "common passion" with suffering, etc.

  3. [How it helps resolve ethical dilemma]:

  4. By creating awareness about pain of others. Eg: IAS officer [Swarochish Somvanshi] [removed] [AC from his office] at the time of [heat wave] in the region.

  5. By helping create a feeling of common consciousness.

  6. By realisation of [shared destiny] of the nation.

Close · a way forward

Thus, [Mission Karmayogi] should develop these values in civil servants.

More on Empathy and Compassion

Tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections, empathy in administration, and where compassion meets a rule.

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