Thinkers & Philosophers: The Moral Legacy
The study of philosophers and moral thinkers is essential for developing a robust conceptual vocabulary and resolving complex ethical dilemmas. This module covers the foundational ethical systems of both the Western and Indian philosophical traditions.
1. Thinkers & Philosophers: The Moral Legacy
| Cue Words | Notes |
|---|---|
| Module Overview | - Comparative study of Western rationalist systems and Indian spiritual traditions for administrative ethics |
| Indian Ethical Traditions | - Dharma & Nishkama Karma: moral righteousness and selfless performance of duty (*Swadharma*) without fruit attachment - Buddhist Ethics: Eightfold Path and Pancha Sila ending human suffering (*Dukkha*) through active compassion - Jain Ethics: Anekantavada (manifold nature of truth driving tolerance) & Ahimsa (non-violence in thought, word, deed) - Gandhian Ethics: Satyagraha, Sarvodaya to Antyodaya, Trusteeship model, and purity of Means and Ends |
| Western vs Indian Comparative Matrix | - Primary Focus: Western individual rights/rule duty vs Indian cosmic duty (*Dharma*) and social harmony - Action Theory: Western goal/rule orientation (Utilitarianism/Deontology) vs Indian detached action (*Nishkama Karma*) |
| Key Quotes | - Bhagavad Gita: Perform prescribed duty without entitlement to fruits of action - Buddha: Cultivate a boundless heart towards all beings like a mother protecting her only child - Gandhi: Means may be likened to a seed, the end to a tree |
| Conclusion | - Success lies in synthesizing Western administrative rationality with **"Indian Values of Selfless Duty and Universal Empathy"** |
| Confucian Ethics (Eastern Comparative Tradition) | - Confucius: emphasized Ren (benevolence/humaneness), Li (proper ritual/etiquette), and Junzi (the noble/exemplary person) as the basis of ethical governance and social harmony - Analects: "Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself" — reciprocity (Shu) as a governing moral principle |