Looking for the best ebooks to prepare Ethics for UPSC and UPPCS?

Welcome to “Best eBook of Ethics for UPSC and UPPCS.” This book Ethics for UPSC is Written by Mohit Sharma (Director of Sankalp IAS Academy).

This comprehensive book is designed to equip civil services aspirants with a thorough understanding of ethics, morality, and their practical applications in governance and public administration.

Why Ethics for UPSC Matter:

Ethics form the cornerstone of good governance and responsible public service. As future administrators and policymakers, your ethical decision-making skills will be crucial in shaping the nation’s future. This book aims to:

1. Provide a strong theoretical foundation in ethical principles
2. Develop your ability to analyze complex moral dilemmas
3. Enhance your understanding of ethical issues in governance
4. Prepare you for ethics-related questions in UPSC and UPPCS examinations

What This Book Ethics for UPSC Covers

This book is structured to cover:

– Fundamental concepts of ethics and morality
– Major ethical theories and their relevance to public administration
– Case studies and real-world ethical dilemmas in governance
– Ethical issues in contemporary India
– Strategies for tackling ethics questions in civil services examinations

By the end of this book, you will not only be well-prepared for your examinations but also equipped to make ethically sound decisions in your future roles as civil servants.

Let’s embark on this journey to understand the intricate world of ethics and its indispensable role in public service.

About the Author of Ethics for UPSC eBook

Mohit Sharma is the Founder and Director of Sankalp IAS Academy, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh. He has been guiding civil services aspirants for the last 12 years. He has the honour of guiding many selected candidates. Mohit Sharma is also the founder of Self Study Wala and eMT Education.

Table of Contents of Ethics for UPSC

1       Ethics and Human Interface. 10

1.1        Ethics. 10

1.1.1         Definition of Ethics. 10

1.1.2         Sources of Ethics. 12

1.1.3         Ethics and Moral Values (Morality) or Ethics vs Social Morality. 13

1.1.4         Constitutional Morality and Social Morality. 16

1.1.5         Ethics and Religions. 19

1.1.6         Ethics and Law.. 22

1.1.7         Difference Between Laws, Rules, Regulations. 27

1.1.8         Voice of Conscience as Source of Ethical Guidance. 29

1.1.9         Determinants of Ethics. 31

1.1.10      Essence/Consequences of ethics in-human actions. 32

1.2        Ethics in Private and Public Relationships. 37

1.2.1         Dual Character Dilemma. 39

1.3        Ethics Terminology. 40

1.3.1         Moral intuition and Moral reasoning. 40

1.3.2         Ethical management vs Management of ethics. 41

1.3.3         Discrimination vs Preferential treatment. 41

1.3.4         Moral muteness. 42

1.3.5         Moral Myopia. 43

1.3.6         Cognitive bias. 43

1.3.7         Bounded ethicality. 44

1.3.8         Moral Policing. 44

1.3.9         Role morality. 45

1.3.10      Moral cognition. 45

2       Dimensions of Ethics. 45

2.1        Normative Ethics (Prescriptive Ethics) (Moral Ethics). 46

2.1.1         Virtue ethics. 46

2.1.2         Doctrine of double effect. 57

2.1.3         Deontology (Non-Consequentialism) (Duty or Means based Ethics). 57

2.1.4         Teleology (Consequentialism) (Outcome based Ethics). 60

2.1.5         Contractarianism.. 63

2.1.6         Weber’s bureaucratic theory – Max weber (1864 – 1920). 65

2.1.7         Theory of Justice – John Rawls (1921-2002). 67

2.1.8         Care Ethics or Relational Ethics or Feminist Ethics. 68

2.2        Meta-Ethics. 69

2.2.1         Metaphysical Ethics. 69

2.2.2         Psychological Ethics. 70

2.3        Descriptive Ethics (Comparative Ethics). 71

2.4        Applied Ethics. 71

2.4.1         Bioethics. 71

2.4.2         Environmental ethics. 75

2.4.3         Media ethics. 77

2.4.4         Business ethics. 78

2.4.5         Technology Ethics. 78

2.5        Punishment Theories. 79

2.5.1         What is punishment. 79

2.5.2         Is it appropriate to punish. 79

2.5.3         What are the pre-conditions for awarding punishment?. 79

2.5.4         Theories of punishment: 80

3       Lessons from Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators. 83

3.1.1         Mahatma Gandhi 83

3.1.2         Chanakya. 89

3.1.3         Raja Ram Mohan Roy. 91

3.1.4         Ramakrishna Paramhansa. 92

3.1.5         Swami Vivekananda. 93

3.1.6         Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. 94

3.1.7         A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.. 96

3.1.8         Tiruvalluvar. 97

3.1.9         Guru Nanak. 98

3.1.10      Swami Dayananda Saraswati. 98

3.1.11      Amartya Sen. 99

3.1.12      Ashok Khemka. 100

3.1.13      T.N. Seshan. 100

3.1.14      E. Sreedharan. 101

4       Human Values. 102

4.1        Values. 102

4.2        Human Values. 102

4.2.1         Socialization. 102

4.3        Role of Family, Society and Educational Institute (Teacher) in inculcating values. 103

4.3.1         Role of Family in inculcating values. 103

4.4        Role of Society in inculcating values. 105

4.5        Role of Education Institute in inculcating values. 107

4.6        Impact of internet expansion on Value System.. 109

5       Moral Thinkers and Philosophers. 110

5.1        Western Moral Thinkers. 110

5.2        Indian Philosophers and Religions. 110

5.2.1         Ethical Ideas of Upanishad. 110

5.2.2         Ethical Ideas of Ramayana & Mahabharata. 113

5.2.3         Ethical Ideas of Jainism.. 114

5.2.4         Ethical Ideas of Buddhism.. 116

6       Aptitude and Foundational values for Civil Service. 120

6.1        Definition. 120

6.2        Features of Aptitude. 120

6.3        Aptitude: Product of nature or nurture?. 120

6.4        Aptitude Realization. 121

6.5        Required Aptitude for Civil Services. 122

6.6        Aptitude vs Intelligence. 123

6.7        Aptitude vs Attitude. 123

6.8        Interests and Aptitude. 124

6.9        Ability, Proficiency and Achievement. 124

6.10     Foundational values for Civil Service. 125

6.10.1      Evolution of Foundational Values. 125

6.10.2      Need of foundational values in Civil Services. 126

6.10.3      Integrity. 126

6.10.4      Impartiality. 132

6.10.5      Objectivity. 133

6.10.6      Non-partisanship. 134

6.10.7      Tolerance. 140

6.10.8      Dedication to Public Service. 141

6.10.9      Empathy. 144

6.10.10         Compassion. 146

6.10.11         Other Important Values. 149

7       Attitude. 153

7.1.1         Attitude Structure/components of attitude. 153

7.1.2         Features of Attitude. 154

7.1.3         Attitude Formation or Attitude Change. 156

7.1.4         Functions of Attitude. 157

7.1.5         Negative attitude. 158

7.1.6         Undesirable attitude prevails in Indian Society: 159

7.1.7         Positive attitude. 160

7.1.8         Attitude for Civil Servants. 160

7.2        Political Attitude. 165

7.2.1         Types of Political attitudes. 165

7.2.2         Factor of Political Attitude or Development of Political Attitude. 165

7.2.3         Politics and ethics do not go together?. 166

7.3        Moral Attitude. 168

7.4        Social Influence. 169

7.4.1         Types of Social Influence. 169

7.5        Persuasion. 171

7.5.1         Success Factors for Persuasion. 172

7.5.2         Two primary routes to persuasion. 172

7.6        How Persuasion and Social influence is helpful for civil servants?. 172

8       Emotional intelligence. 173

8.1        Negative emotions. 174

8.1.1         Impact of Negative Emotions. 174

8.1.2         How to overcome/manage negative emotions?. 175

8.2        Positive emotions. 175

8.3        Emotional Intelligence and its components. 176

8.3.1         Development of Emotional Intelligence. 177

8.3.2         Challenges for development of emotional intelligence in the Administration. 179

8.3.3         Importance or Utilities or Application of Emotional Intelligence. 180

8.3.4         Use of Emotional Intelligence in Case Study. 184

9       Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration. 184

9.1        Role of a public service in democracy. 184

9.2        Role of civil services in a democracy. 185

9.2.1         Cadre-based Civil Service – slow pace of change in India. 186

9.2.2         Traditional bureaucratic structure and culture – Barrier to socio-economic development and lacking in neutrality and effectiveness. 187

9.3        Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems. 188

9.4        Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems. 188

9.4.1         Major problem/challenges with bureaucracy in India. 188

9.4.2         Overall Assessment: 190

9.5        Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government institution. 191

9.5.1         Conflicts of Interest. 191

9.5.2         Crisis of Conscience. 193

9.5.3         Whistleblowing. 195

9.5.4         Economic Development vs Displacement and Rehabilitation. 198

9.5.5         Economic Development vs Environment Protection. 199

9.5.6         Corruption. 200

9.5.7         Utilisation of public funds. 207

9.5.8         Law Compliance Vs Public Welfare. 208

9.5.9         More Good than Evil 208

9.5.10      leak any confidential information. 209

9.5.11      Better implementation of a policy. 209

9.5.12      Politicization of an issue. 209

9.5.13      Others. 210

9.6        Resolving Ethical Dilemma in Government. 211

9.6.1         Role of EI in solving Ethical Dilemmas: 211

9.7        Ethical concerns and dilemmas in private institutions. 212

9.7.1         Monopolistic tendencies. 212

9.7.2         Conflicts of Interest. 212

9.7.3         Profit vs. Public Good. 212

9.7.4         Short-term Gain vs. Long-term Sustainability. 212

9.7.5         Employee Welfare vs. Cost Minimization. 213

9.7.6         Confidentiality vs. Transparency. 213

9.7.7         Market Competition vs. Unfair Practices. 213

9.7.8         Loyalty to Company vs. Whistleblowing. 213

9.7.9         Data Use vs. Privacy. 213

9.7.10      Tax evasion. 213

9.7.11      Money laundering. 213

9.7.12      Round Tripping. 213

9.7.13      Integrity of audit process. 213

9.7.14      Cartelisation and manipulation of market. 213

9.7.15      Lack of Transparency and Accountability. 213

9.7.16      Perpetuate inequities. 214

9.7.17      Environmental Impact. 214

9.7.18      Consumer Protection. 214

9.7.19      Economic Development vs Inequality. 214

9.7.20      Adulteration. 214

9.8        Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding. 214

9.8.1         Ethical Issues & Dilemma in International Relations. 214

9.8.2         International Funding. 220

9.8.3         Role of strength, peace, and security in International Relations. 222

10         Probity in Governance. 223

10.1     Probity in Governance/Public Life. 224

10.1.1      Philosophical basis of Governance and Probity. 224

10.1.2      Need/Importance of Probity in Governance. 224

10.1.3      Challenges in Ensuring Probity in Governance. 225

10.1.4      How to ensure probity in governance?. 225

10.1.5      Measures taken by the government of India to promote Probity in governance. 226

10.2     Ethical Governance. 226

10.3     Strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance. 226

10.4     Transparency in Governance. 226

10.4.1      Significance of Transparency in Governance/Administration. 226

10.4.2      Challenges of Transparency in Governance/Administration. 227

10.4.3      Transparency vs openness. 227

10.5     Accountability in Governance. 228

10.5.1      Significance of Accountability in Governance. 228

10.5.2      Challenges of Accountability in Governance. 229

10.5.3      Way forward. 229

10.5.4      Role of the Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of the government. 229

10.5.5      Horizontal accountability vs Vertical accountability. 230

10.5.6      External Accountability vs Internal Accountability. 230

10.5.7      Government Measures to ensure accountability in Administration. 231

10.6     Good Governance. 232

10.6.1      Component/Features of Good Governance. 232

10.6.2      Barriers to Good Governance. 232

10.6.3      Tools to enhance Good Governance. 233

10.7     e-Governance. 233

10.7.1      Benefits of e-Governance. 234

10.7.2      Challenges of e-Governance. 234

10.8     M-governance. 235

10.9     Right to Information (RTI). 236

10.9.1      Objectives of the RTI Act, 2005. 236

10.9.2      Significance of the RTI Act, 2005. 236

10.9.3      Exclusion from the RTI Act. 237

10.9.4      Process of seeking information under RTI 237

10.9.5      Penalty under RTI 237

10.9.6      Limitations of RTI Act. 238

10.9.7      Suggestions/Optimisation of RTI Act. 238

10.9.8      The Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019. 239

10.9.9      Right to Information vs Right to Privacy. 240

10.9.10         Official Secrets Act, 1923. 240

10.9.11         Political Parties vs RTI 241

10.9.12         Central Information Commission (CIC). 242

10.10       Citizens’ Charter. 242

10.10.1         Attributes/Elements/Components of good citizens’ charter. 242

10.10.2         Challenges/Drawback of Citizens’ Charters. 243

10.10.3         Citizens’ Charter – Reform.. 243

10.11       People’s Participation for Good Governance. 244

10.11.1         Social audit. 246

10.12       Corporate Governance. 247

10.12.1         Principles of Corporate Governance. 247

10.12.2         Need of Corporate Governance. 248

10.12.3         Corporate Governance Provisions in Companies Act, 2013. 248

10.12.4         Corporate Social Responsibility. 249

10.13       Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct. 253

10.13.1         Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 and All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. 254

10.13.2         Code of Conduct for Indian Ministers. 256

10.14       Work culture. 256

10.14.1         Salient Features of a Healthy Work Culture. 256

10.14.2         Benefit of Healthy Work Culture. 257

10.14.3         Major issue of public sector work culture. 258

10.14.4         Public Sector vs Private Sector Work Culture. 259

10.15       Concept of public service. 259

10.15.1         Quality of Public Service Delivery. 259

10.15.2         Measures to Improve Public Service Delivery. 260

10.16       Utilisation of public funds. 260

10.17       Challenges of corruption. 260

11         Quotes based questions. 260

12         Enrichment Material 261

12.1     Ethics Orientation. 261

12.2     Base for Answer (Syllabus Principal or Chain Principal). 261

13         Case Study Rules. 265

13.1     Points to remember. 265

13.2     Methods for Solving different Case Studies. 267

13.2.1      1st method. 267

13.2.2      2nd method (open ended case study). 268

13.3     Introduction. 269

13.4     Common Stakeholders in Case Study. 270

13.5     Ethical Dilemma. 270

13.6     Common Ethical Issue. 270

13.7     Option with merits and demerits. 271

13.7.1      Readymade Logic for Merits and Demerits. 271

13.7.2      Seek and Follow Advice/direction/instructions/orders from Senior officers/ Colleagues. 272

13.7.3      Consulting colleagues/Predecessor and acting on their advice. 272

13.7.4      Discussion with family members/trusted friends. 272

13.7.5      Unethical pressure from senior or outsider. 273

13.7.6      Unethical Order from the top officer. 275

13.7.7      Make an exhaustive report and seek written orders. 275

13.7.8      Hide the wrong doing. 276

13.7.9      When wrong conduct is shown benefit. 276

13.7.10         Necessary evils. 276

13.7.11         Leave/Transfer/Resign. 276

13.7.12         Weighing consequences and act accordingly. 277

13.7.13         Highlighting the issue to Media. 278

13.7.14         Call for explanation from Junior and order corrections. 278

13.7.15         Approach to superiors above the immediate superiors. 278

13.7.16         Try to mediate for win-win solutions or mutually beneficial solutions or to Find middle path. 279

13.7.17         Law/rules produce wrong result. 279

13.7.18         Bonafide mistakes. 279

13.7.19         Misuse of official position. 280

13.7.20         Social Problem Solution. 281

13.7.21         Conflict between different values. 281

13.7.22         False allegation by a woman. 282

13.7.23         Character Assassination – When media tarnishes your image. 282

13.7.24         Negative thought. 282

13.7.25         False testimony. 283

13.7.26         Use of condemnation/criticize. 283

13.7.27         Use of Praise. 283

13.7.28         Creating pressure to stop fund for your department. 283

13.7.29         Mob Management. 283

13.7.30         Evacuation in Disaster. 283

13.7.31         Communal violence. 284

13.7.32         Child labour vs Livelihood. 284

13.7.33         Extreme poverty vs stealing. 284

13.7.34         Marital rape. 284

13.7.35         Arresting a person who has not committed a crime. 285

13.7.36         Day zero in Bengaluru. 286

13.7.37         Fake encounters. 286

13.7.38         Reservation. 286

13.7.39         Food adulteration. 286

13.7.40         Nepotism.. 287

13.7.41         Wastage of Food. 287

13.8     Course of Action. 288

13.9     Rationale behind. 289

13.10       Long term Measures or Other Suggestion or Additional Considerations: 291

13.11       Conclusion (Same like Introduction). 291

13.12       Material 291

13.13       Terminology. 299

13.14       Dimension Base. 302

13.14.1         Like Essay. 302

13.15       Current affairs and Civil Servants examples. 303

13.15.1         Civil Servants. 303

13.15.2         Current Affairs. 306

Benefits of Using “The Essential Guide to Ethics for UPSC and UPPCS Examinations”

1. Comprehensive Coverage

This book provides a holistic approach to ethics, covering both theoretical foundations and practical applications. You’ll gain a deep understanding of ethical principles and their relevance to civil services.

2. Exam-Oriented Approach

The content is specifically tailored for UPSC and UPPCS examinations, ensuring you’re well-prepared for ethics-related questions. It includes:
– Previous years’ question analysis
– Expected question patterns
– Tips for answering ethics case studies

3. Real-World Case Studies

Learn from actual ethical dilemmas faced by civil servants. These case studies will sharpen your analytical skills and prepare you for real-life scenarios you may encounter in your career.

4. Contemporary Relevance

Stay updated with the latest ethical issues in governance. The book covers emerging topics like:
– Environmental ethics
– Ethics in the digital age
– Ethical challenges in a globalized world

5. Skill Development

Beyond exam preparation, this book helps you develop critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for a successful career in civil services.

6. Simplified Complex Concepts

Difficult philosophical ideas are explained in simple, easy-to-understand language, making the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.

7. Self-Assessment Tools

Regular quizzes, exercises, and mock tests allow you to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

8. Holistic Personality Development

The book goes beyond exam preparation, aiming to shape you into an ethically conscious individual and future leader.

By choosing “The Essential Guide to Ethics for UPSC and UPPCS Examinations,” you’re not just preparing for an exam; you’re equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills to become an ethical and effective civil servant.

How to Use This Ethics for UPSC eBook

To get the most out of “The Essential Guide to Ethics for UPSC and UPPCS Examinations,” follow these guidelines:

1. Start with the Basics

Begin with the foundational chapters on ethical theories and principles. Ensure you have a solid grasp of these concepts before moving on to more complex topics.

2. Follow the Recommended Reading Order

The chapters are arranged in a logical sequence. While you can jump to specific sections based on your needs, following the recommended order will help build your understanding progressively.

3. Utilize Interactive Features

Take advantage of the eBook’s interactive elements:
– Click on hyperlinked terms for quick definitions
– Use the search function to find specific topics quickly
– Adjust font size and background for comfortable reading

4. Engage with Case Studies

Don’t just read the case studies—actively engage with them:
– Try to solve the ethical dilemmas before reading the analysis
– Discuss cases with study groups to gain diverse perspectives

5. Complete Practice Exercises

After each chapter, attempt the practice exercises. These will help reinforce your learning and identify areas needing more attention.

6. Use Bookmarks and Highlights

Mark important sections, definitions, and key points for quick revision. Most eBook readers allow you to export your notes and highlights.

7. Participate in Online Discussions

Join the book’s online forum (if available) to discuss concepts with other aspirants and clarify doubts.

8. Regular Self-Assessment

Take the mock tests provided at regular intervals. This will help you track your progress and adjust your study strategy.

9. Apply to Current Events

Try to apply the ethical frameworks you learn to current news and events. This will help you understand their real-world relevance.

10. Revise Frequently

Ethics requires continuous reflection. Regularly revisit earlier chapters to reinforce your understanding as you progress.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to maximize the benefits of this eBook and effectively prepare for the ethics portions of your UPSC and UPPCS examinations. Remember, understanding ethics is not just about memorization, but about developing a nuanced perspective on moral issues. Take your time to reflect on the concepts and their applications in real-world scenarios.