THE STRUCTURE
● Introduction: Introduce with the perception of society that ethics is ideal.
● The Body:
○ Mention the difference between ideal and practical.
○ Write about the standards of ethics set by philosophers with examples.
● Conclusion: Write about the importance of ethics to make a society better.
Ans. There is a general perception in society that ethics is ideal, and since it is ideal, it is difficult to follow; therefore, there is a perception among people that living life practically is the best option; however, this is not the right perception. Living ethical life is always paramount.
Many believe that ethics is ideal and hence, it is difficult to follow. Practical approach in life becomes more acceptable and society also appreciates. For example, if someone says, “I will not give dowry for my daughter’s marriage”, then perhaps his daughter may face immense challenges in getting married. It means, father should be practical otherwise society will consider him foolish. There are similar other thousands of cases which force people to be practical.
Ethics is a field of normative science which sets ideal principles known as moral principles. It is concerned with what ‘ought to be’ of thee conduct. Its principles are considered ideals of conduct. All the normative theories are based on this idea from virtue ethics, deontology to teleology.
The standards of ethics have been set by the philosophers who have practiced themselves. For example, Socrates drank poison to uphold the truth, Mahatma Gandhi remained nonviolent throughout the freedom struggle, and Vivekananda preached the brotherhood for all.
Hence, it can be said that ethics is ideal that is why people find it difficult to follow. But it will be only half truth.
If we delve into details of human bhaviour then we find that:
1. Human expects from others an ethical conduct.
2. When human faces adverse situations, human wants others to help.
3. In case of any injustice, human seeks justice.
4. Human wants others to be fair.
That is how philosophies have been given like Theory of Justice of John Rawls talks about fairness as justice.
Ideal term has another connotation. Ideal means not real, utopian. So, some people believe that it is impractical and illogical (Bakwas) to even talk about ethics. People often say, don’t give your philosophy.
But ethics has its own standards; therefore, categorizing it as ideal or practical is incorrect. Considering ethics as ideal or utopian is not the right understanding. If ethics was to be ideal, such a higher emphasis on ethics would not have been possible; whether it be personal, professional or any different walk of life, ethics is recommended everywhere.
Conclusion: Having an ordered and better society would not have been possible without ethics. For instance, it would be difficult for judges to make better and more appropriate decisions without ethics, as ethics sets certain standards. Following ethics has always been paramount and will also remain in time to come.
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