Aayushi BansalAIR 7 · CSE 2024 · 164 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
David Hume, an empiricist philosopher, argues that human reason alone is insufficient to motivate action. According to him, passions (emotions, desires, and inclinations) are the primary drivers of human behavior. Reason acts merely as an instrument to calculate the best means to achieve the ends set by our passions.
In the present context:
Body · points
Decision Making: In governance, while logic and evidence-based policy are crucial, they are driven by the 'passion' for public welfare or social justice. Reason helps in formulating effective policies to achieve these humanistic goals.
Ethical Conduct: Human values like compassion, empathy, and integrity are 'passions' that guide a public servant. Reason justifies these values and helps implement them efficiently.
Balanced Perspective: This quote cautions against extreme rationalism. A policy devoid of emotional understanding (passion) of the people's needs becomes robotic and often fails to address ground realities.
Close · a summary
Thus, reason and passion must complement each other; passion provides the direction and purpose, while reason provides the roadmap for achievement.