PPT: What are Ethics | UPSC Mains: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude PDF Download

 Page 1


What Are 
Ethics? 
Page 2


What Are 
Ethics? 
Introduction to Ethics: Meaning and Scope
Ethics are the moral principles that govern behavior and 
decision-making. They represent our understanding of 
right and wrong, providing a framework for conduct in 
various contexts.
Ethics vs. Morality vs. Values
E t h i c s: Systematic study of moral principles, often 
externally imposed
M o r a l i t y: Personal principles of right and wrong behavior
V a l u e s: Core beliefs that guide our preferences and 
choices
For civil servants, ethics provides the compass to navigate complex situations where rules alone may not suffice. 
Ethical conduct ensures public trust, fair governance, and social harmony.
Page 3


What Are 
Ethics? 
Introduction to Ethics: Meaning and Scope
Ethics are the moral principles that govern behavior and 
decision-making. They represent our understanding of 
right and wrong, providing a framework for conduct in 
various contexts.
Ethics vs. Morality vs. Values
E t h i c s: Systematic study of moral principles, often 
externally imposed
M o r a l i t y: Personal principles of right and wrong behavior
V a l u e s: Core beliefs that guide our preferences and 
choices
For civil servants, ethics provides the compass to navigate complex situations where rules alone may not suffice. 
Ethical conduct ensures public trust, fair governance, and social harmony.
Essence and Dimensions of Ethics
Personal Ethics
Individual moral code guiding personal behavior
Self-discipline
Honesty in private affairs
Personal integrity
Social Ethics
Principles governing interactions within society
Respect for others
Fairness in dealings
Social responsibility
Professional Ethics
Standards specific to one's occupation
Workplace conduct
Professional integrity
Service excellence
Public Ethics
Principles guiding behavior of public officials
Accountability
Transparency
Public interest focus
Ethics guides righteous conduct, helping distinguish right from wrong beyond legal boundaries. Private ethics concerns 
personal relationships, while public ethics deals with responsibilities to society.
Page 4


What Are 
Ethics? 
Introduction to Ethics: Meaning and Scope
Ethics are the moral principles that govern behavior and 
decision-making. They represent our understanding of 
right and wrong, providing a framework for conduct in 
various contexts.
Ethics vs. Morality vs. Values
E t h i c s: Systematic study of moral principles, often 
externally imposed
M o r a l i t y: Personal principles of right and wrong behavior
V a l u e s: Core beliefs that guide our preferences and 
choices
For civil servants, ethics provides the compass to navigate complex situations where rules alone may not suffice. 
Ethical conduct ensures public trust, fair governance, and social harmony.
Essence and Dimensions of Ethics
Personal Ethics
Individual moral code guiding personal behavior
Self-discipline
Honesty in private affairs
Personal integrity
Social Ethics
Principles governing interactions within society
Respect for others
Fairness in dealings
Social responsibility
Professional Ethics
Standards specific to one's occupation
Workplace conduct
Professional integrity
Service excellence
Public Ethics
Principles guiding behavior of public officials
Accountability
Transparency
Public interest focus
Ethics guides righteous conduct, helping distinguish right from wrong beyond legal boundaries. Private ethics concerns 
personal relationships, while public ethics deals with responsibilities to society.
Determinants of Ethical Behaviour
Cultural Factors
Cultural norms and traditions shape what's 
considered ethical
Educational Factors
Formal and informal learning influences moral 
reasoning
Religious Factors
Spiritual beliefs provide ethical frameworks and 
moral codes
Family Influence
Early socialization establishes ethical foundations
Page 5


What Are 
Ethics? 
Introduction to Ethics: Meaning and Scope
Ethics are the moral principles that govern behavior and 
decision-making. They represent our understanding of 
right and wrong, providing a framework for conduct in 
various contexts.
Ethics vs. Morality vs. Values
E t h i c s: Systematic study of moral principles, often 
externally imposed
M o r a l i t y: Personal principles of right and wrong behavior
V a l u e s: Core beliefs that guide our preferences and 
choices
For civil servants, ethics provides the compass to navigate complex situations where rules alone may not suffice. 
Ethical conduct ensures public trust, fair governance, and social harmony.
Essence and Dimensions of Ethics
Personal Ethics
Individual moral code guiding personal behavior
Self-discipline
Honesty in private affairs
Personal integrity
Social Ethics
Principles governing interactions within society
Respect for others
Fairness in dealings
Social responsibility
Professional Ethics
Standards specific to one's occupation
Workplace conduct
Professional integrity
Service excellence
Public Ethics
Principles guiding behavior of public officials
Accountability
Transparency
Public interest focus
Ethics guides righteous conduct, helping distinguish right from wrong beyond legal boundaries. Private ethics concerns 
personal relationships, while public ethics deals with responsibilities to society.
Determinants of Ethical Behaviour
Cultural Factors
Cultural norms and traditions shape what's 
considered ethical
Educational Factors
Formal and informal learning influences moral 
reasoning
Religious Factors
Spiritual beliefs provide ethical frameworks and 
moral codes
Family Influence
Early socialization establishes ethical foundations
Human Values: The Foundation of Ethics
T r u t h f u l n e s s
Honesty in words and deeds, alignment between intention and 
action
C o m p a s s i o n
Genuine concern for others' well-being, empathy toward 
suffering
T o l e r a n c e
Acceptance of diversity, respecting different viewpoints
J u s t i c e
Fair treatment, equal opportunity, and rightful distribution
Value Formation Institutions
Family serves as the first school of values, while educational institutions formalize moral learning. Society reinforces values through 
cultural norms and practices. Great leaders like Gandhi (non-violence) and Ambedkar (social justice) exemplify how values can transform 
societies.