Diksha RaiAIR 40 · CSE 2025 · 356 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening
Public service framework worldwide, have evolved through the contribution of ideas of various philosophers starting from Plato to Michael Sandel.
Immanuel Kant, a German Philosopher contributed in this endeavour by propounding his theory of ethics:
Body · points and prose
- Means over ends His deontological approach towards ethics calls for prioritising means over ends.
Relevance : Public servants are duty bound to uphold public welfare and justice. Through this approach one is able to maintain impartiality, compassion and objectivity in public service.
eg: Transparent utilisation of Public funds through competitive biddings.
- Theory of Categorical Imperative → First imperative of Kant's prohibits humans from being used as means. Relevance: Preamble of constitution calls for upholding dignity of individual as each individual as his own worth. eg: use of human shields in anti terror operations is against this imperative.
- Second categorical imperative calls of principle of universal applicability of actions. Relevance: In public service this imperative makes governance just, impartial and upholds rule of law. eg: Affirmative actions, welfare schemes.
Thus Kant's philosophy calls for a just world where human dignity is respected and rights are upheld, which is indispensable for Good Governance.
Human values refers to all the values which are aimed at ethical and moral life.
While, Public service values encompasses values necessary for public welfare and effective delivery of services.
On the face of it Human values and Public service values, although seem conflicting but they actually complement each other:
Human values guide public obligations eg: Compassionate Kozhikode led by Prashant Nair to eradicate hunger.
Makes administration humane, As against ivory tower of bureaucratic apathy, one moves towards concept of barefoot bureaucracy. eg: Armstrong Pame's effort in building roads without using govt. funds.
Leads to social empowerment Human value of compassion and empathy guided Swachh Bharat Mission headed by IAS P. Iyer.
leads to enhanced public service delivery.
Close · a summary
The human values of justice and respect guided IPS Kiran Bedi in heralding prison reforms.
Thus, A human public servant is more emotionally intelligent and harbours greater public dedication towards public welfare. Thus contemporary bureaucratic ethic must be married with human values for Good Governance.