GS4 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Stoic Model of Ethics | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

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Q. Examine the Stoic's models of ethics in terms of its suitability for modern civil servants? 

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Introduction

• Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy which teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions.
• It does not seek to extinguish emotions completely but rather seeks to transform them by a resolute Asceticism, which enables a person to develop clear judgment, inner calm and freedom from suffering.

Body
Basic Tenets of Stoicism 

• The philosophy of Stoicism is often divided into three parts:
  • Logic: a way to determine if your perceptions of the world are correct;
  • Physics (natural science): a structure to understand the natural world; and
  • Ethics: the study of how to live one's life.
    • The main ethical notions held by the Stoic philosophers.
• Nature: Nature is rational.
• Law of Reason: The universe is governed by the law of reason. Humans can't actually escape its inexorable force, but they can, uniquely, follow the law deliberately.
• Virtue: A life led according to rational nature is virtuous.
• Wisdom: Wisdom is the root virtue. From it springs the cardinal virtues: prudence, bravery, self-control, and justice.
• Apatheia: Since passion(anger) is irrational, life should be waged as a battle against it. The intense feeling should be avoided.
• Pleasure: Pleasure is neither good nor bad. It is only acceptable if it doesn't interfere with the quest for virtue.
• Evil: Poverty, illness, and death are not evil.
• Duty: Virtue should be sought, not for the sake of pleasure, but for duty.

Utility for Civil Servants
The Stoics classified these different forms of virtue under four broad headings, the four cardinal virtues:

• Wisdom or Prudence: Includes excellent deliberation, good judgment, perspective, good sense.
• Justice or Fairness: Includes good-heartedness, benevolence, public service, fair dealing.
• Courage or Fortitude: Includes bravery, perseverance, authenticity (honesty), confidence.
• Self-Discipline or Temperance: Includes orderliness, self-control, forgiveness, humility.
• The goal of Stoicism is freedom from anger through the pursuit of reason.
• It teaches indifference and a "passive" reaction to external events and equanimity in the face of life's highs and lows.

Conclusion

• Public service, unlike many other jobs, includes direct interaction with people to resolve their problems. Any deviation from the side of the public servant could have a multi-fold adverse effect.
• So it becomes essential that he/she should have virtues like wisdom, self-control, fortitude & prudence.
  • It makes a civil servant clear, unbiased and self-disciplined and allows them to understand the things rationally.