Gandhian Ethics | UPSC Mains: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude PDF Download

Gandhian Ethics

• Gandhian philosophy is a powerful tool aimed at transforming both the individual and society simultaneously, based on the principles of truth and nonviolence. Gandhi, as the leader of the Indian national movement and a prolific writer, has addressed nearly every aspect of human life and society. His thoughts are multifaceted, covering political, social, economic, religious, and ethical dimensions. Gandhi was influenced not only by thinkers like Tolstoy, Carlyle, and Thoreau, but also by the ethical teachings found in Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, and Christianity.
• The two fundamental principles of Gandhi's philosophy are truth and non-violence. His ideas are primarily conveyed through moral concepts and terminology. Ethical theories serve as the foundation for Gandhian thought in all areas. The development of Gandhi's ideas occurred within the framework of non-violent mass political movements. Throughout this process, his ideas evolved, undergoing various changes and adaptations.
• Gandhi was not an academic philosopher but a leader of the masses. Therefore, his focus was not on abstract idealism but on practical idealism. Furthermore, Gandhian philosophy is regarded as a universal and timeless philosophy. The principles of truth and nonviolence, which form the core of this philosophy, are seen as relevant to all of humanity.

Gandhi on Moral Behaviour

• According to Gandhi, an action is considered moral if it is voluntary, intentional, universal, practical, selfless, and free from fear and compulsion all at once. The development of calmness, gentleness, and tranquility in one’s personality; the cultivation of good habits; the practice of chastity, altruism, and righteousness, among others, are key elements of a moral life in Gandhian ethics. 
• Additionally, the moral law in Gandhian ethics is pious, universal, eternal, unchanging, independent of time and space, objective, and self-imposed. It resides in the heart and addresses the inner aspect of one's personality.

Gandhi and Non-violence

• In Gandhi's philosophy, non-violence was a tool that everyone could (and should) use, grounded in deeply religious beliefs. Active non-violence includes truth and fearlessness. Gandhi emphasized that non-violence is not a passive doctrine nor is it meant for the weak or fearful. It does not imply passively accepting evil. It is preferable to be violent than to be cowardly. Gandhi was also concerned that non-violence might be used as an excuse to avoid confronting the British rulers.
• Gandhi believed that several prerequisites are essential for the continuous practice of ahimsa, with truthfulness and fearlessness being the most important. According to him, individuals should fear no one except God. If they follow God's will, there is no need to fear any human authority. This leads to the doctrine of Satyagraha, which represents the fearless pursuit of truth. Satyagraha refers to Gandhi's method of peaceful protest against British rule in India, and those who engage in these protests are known as satyagrahis.
• Gandhi's instructions for his followers in the Satyagraha movement provide a clear understanding of his concept of nonviolence. 
  These instructions include:
  • A satyagrahi should harbor no anger.
  • They must endure the anger of their opponent.
  • Even when assaulted, they should not retaliate but refuse to comply with orders given in anger, out of fear, or similar emotions.
  • If authorities attempt to arrest a civil resister, the satyagrahi will voluntarily submit to arrest and will not resist the confiscation of their property.
  • If a satyagrahi holds any property as a trustee, they will not surrender it, even at the cost of their life, but will not retaliate.
  • Non-retaliation also excludes swearing or cursing.
  • A satyagrahi will not insult their opponent and will avoid participating in actions or chants that contradict the spirit of ahimsa.
  • A civil resister will not salute the Union Jack, but will also not insult it or officials, whether British or Indian.
  • If someone insults or assaults an official during the struggle, the civil resister will defend the official, even at the risk of their own life.

Gandhi's Economic ideas

• Gandhian ethics also extend to the economic sphere. Gandhi believed that everyone should earn their livelihood through their own hands or manual labor, which he termed "bread labour." According to him, this is the only legitimate way to earn the right to eat. He argued that it is impossible for a few individuals to accumulate wealth without exploiting others, and exploitation, in any form, is a type of violence. Since every person has a right to life, they are entitled to the means of securing basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing.
• Gandhi did not advocate for drastic or violent measures to achieve economic equality. In an ideal world, he believed wealth should be distributed equally among all members of society, but acknowledging the impracticality of this, he proposed that wealth should be shared fairly. Gandhi also encouraged people to reduce their desires and lead simple lives. This, he believed, would free up resources that could be used to assist the poor.

Doctrine of Trusteeship

• Gandhi introduced the concept of the rich being trustees of wealth. He believed that, ultimately, all property belongs to God, and any excess or superfluous wealth possessed by the rich belongs to society. This wealth should be used to support the poor. 
• According to Gandhi, wealthy individuals have no moral right to anything beyond their fair share of the national wealth. Instead, they are simply trustees of the disproportionate share of God's property they hold, and they are responsible for using it to help those in need.

Morality of Self-Interest

The morality of self-interest is also known as egoistic ethics, which can be divided into two types:

• Psychological egoism: This theory suggests that humans, by nature, are motivated by selfish desires and are driven to fulfill their own interests. It claims that people are inherently selfish. Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679), an English philosopher, is a notable proponent of psychological egoism.
• Ethical egoism: In contrast, ethical egoism holds that individuals may or may not pursue their desires. It posits that one should practice the morality of rational self-interest, meaning that individuals ought to act in accordance with their own rational interests.