Dual Character Dilemma Ethics UPSC (Best Ethics Notes for UPSC & UPPSC)

Ethics UPSC. Dual Character Dilemma Ethics UPSC.


Dual Character Dilemma

Sometimes people practice different standards of moralities in their personal and private lives.

  • Some people are ethical and efficient public life but follow immoral activities like having extramarital relationships, domestic violence etc. in their private life.
    • Keshva Chandra Sen, Aasharam Bapu
  • Some people may be extremely corrupt in their official matters, but are honest with their family members, like faithful to their spouse, a loving parent to their children etc.
    • Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb

Why ethics in private life is important for ethics in public life?

Is private and public life can be separated?

In general, both are considered separate, both have different morality, but it’s challenging and often impossible to completely separate them. People at responsible and influential position should have responsible behaviour in private life also, because-

  • Interconnectedness
    • There is no watertight compartments division, Sooner or later, the values ​​of private life are reflected in public life.
    • Pooja Khedkar, a trainee IAS officer demanding special privileges during probation period show the toxic influence of private life.

The shaded portion shows the effect of one on the other.

  • Spillover effect
    • Cause mental irritability
    • Private life has Spillover effect on public life.
    • The conflict at home soon starts affecting the office.
      • Lead to poor work culture.
  • Virtu ethics – Private ethical behaviour forms the core of one’s character.
    • Only virtuous person can do good work
    • How a police officer indulges in domestic violence, implement the domestic violence act?
  • Role Model – People at responsible and influential position work as role model for youth.
    • Therefore, they have a moral duty/obligation to act as civic heroes.
  • Increase Vulnerability
    • Good officers with bad character are more vulnerable for Honey trapping.
  • Erosion of Public trust
    • Fallacy of generalisation
    • People start judging civil servants based on their personal lives
  • Issue of Mental Health
    • Too much difference in private and public life can led to –
      • Cognitive dissonance
      • Loss of credibility – Aasha ram, Keshav Chandra sena
      • Conflict of interest
  • Private life provides a strong moral foundation for inculcating the professional values. UPSC also consider it.
    • Ex – Code of civil service ban polygamy.
    • Ex – Background check in UPSC after selection of candidate.
    • Kripa Shankar Kanaujiya, DSP in UP demoted to the rank of a constable after found in a hotel with a woman constable.
    • IPS officer, Pankaj Kumar Chaudhary, has been dismissed from service due to extramarital relationship.
  • Collective goods
    • Character of individual will determine character of society.
  • Erosion of foundational value
    • Lack of dedication towards service due to mental dissonance.
  • Digital footprints, work from home culture also blur the line between private and public.

Therefore, it is the moral responsibility of any civil servant to maintain high standards in his professional as well as personal life.

However, some degree of separation is often necessary and beneficial:

  • Work-life balance is important for well-being
  • Legitimate expectation of privacy in personal matters not directly affecting public roles
  • Some ethical norms may differ between private and public spheres (e.g., nepotism might be acceptable in a family business but not in government)
  • Family duty

In conclusion, while complete separation of private and public ethics is nearly impossible and often undesirable, maintaining some boundaries is important.

Use in case study – be careful before interference in family matter.

  • Private and personal life have different set of ethical standards and their implementation. Family members sort out their differences themselves by mutual agreement.
  • Emotional outburst is common in family, outsider can exacerbate the situation.
  • Most people not accepted outsider interference in their personal matters. Hence, it is not advisable to interfere in the personal matters of other people, except in exceptional situations. There are conflicts within families for various reasons.
  • Government also permits the outsider to report against social crime like domestic violence, POCSO.

Ethics PYQs UPSC – Topic Wise Collection


FAQs on Dual Character Dilemma Ethics UPSC

Coming Soon


Why Mohit Sharma (Director Sankalp IAS Academy) is the best Ethics Teacher for UPSC Ethics GS IV?

Why Mohit Sharma (Director Sankalp IAS Academy) is the best Ethics Faculty for UPSC Ethics GS IV?

Mohit Sharma is a highly regarded Ethics faculty for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, known for his in-depth knowledge, engaging teaching style, and focus on practical application.

With over 12 years of experience in teaching Ethics for UPSC and University Level, he provides a comprehensive understanding of the entire syllabus, covering all key topics and subtopics in detail. Here are some key reasons why many consider him to be among the best:

  1. Authorship in Ethics: As an author of multiple books on ethics and moral philosophy, he brings a strong theoretical foundation and insightful perspectives to his teaching.
  2. Positive Reviews and Testimonials: Many successful UPSC aspirants have praised Mohit Sharma’s teaching and guidance, attributing their success to his mentorship.
  3. Current Affairs Integration: Connects ethical concepts with contemporary issues. Uses recent case studies from administration Helps students relate theory to real-world scenarios.
  4. Comprehensive Coverage: Mohit Sharma provides a thorough understanding of the entire Ethics syllabus, covering all key topics and subtopics in detail.
  5. Conceptual Clarity: He emphasizes conceptual clarity and helps students grasp complex ethical dilemmas and frameworks.
  6. Case Study Approach: His teaching methodology heavily relies on case studies and real-life examples, making the subject more relatable and easier to understand.
  7. Focus on Answer Writing: Mohit Sharma provides extensive guidance on answer writing, helping students structure their answers effectively and present their arguments convincingly.
  8. Personalized Mentoring: One-on-one doubt clearing sessions. Individual feedback on answer writing. Customized guidance based on student needs.
  9. Regular Practice and Feedback: He encourages regular practice through mock tests and assignments, providing personalized feedback to help students improve.
  10. Focus on Previous Years’ Questions: Detailed analysis of UPSC trends. Strategic approach to important topics. Practice with exam-oriented questions.
  11. Online Learning Resources: Digital study materials. Recorded lectures for revision. Online test series.
  12. Holistic Development Approach: Integration with other GS papers. Emphasis on character building. Focus on developing ethical reasoning skills.

Best Ethics Book for UPSC & UPPCS GS IV:

Best Book of Ethics for UPSC and UPPCS (6th Edition, English)

(22 customer reviews)
Original price was: ₹599.00.Current price is: ₹299.00.

Top rated on Google. Recommended by UPSC Toppers. Language – English This book Ethics for UPSC is Written by Mohit Sharma (Director of Sankalp IAS Academy). Mohit Sharma is a highly regarded Ethics faculty for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, known for his in-depth knowledge, engaging teaching style, and focus on practical application. With over 12 years of experience in teaching Ethics for UPSC and University Level. Download Free Demo eBook


Dual Character Dilemma Ethics UPSC

Dual Character Dilemma UPSC

Ethics Notes UPSC

Best Ethics Notes UPSC

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top