ARISTOTLE
Philosophical Quotes
“Human is a social, political and ethical animal”
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
“Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others.”
“The end of the state is the good life.”
“The law is reason free from passion.”
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
Aristotle was disciple of Plato who advanced both Socrates and Plato ideas and finally, a reasoned based method was given with elaboration of principles of Virtue Ethics. He can be considered as the main philosopher of Virtue Ethics. His main works were Eudaimonia and the Politics.
Doctrine of Mean (How to achieve happiness): It is the Golden Rule given by Aristotle that humans should avoid the two extremes of their behaviour.
Four Cardinal Principle of Virtue Ethics
1. Fairness: One should not practice discrimination with other fellow humans and treat all as equals.
2. Courage: It means that the person should speak his mind, speak truth and act against evil.
3. Temperance: It is emotional balance. Anyone can become angry at any person at any time but to become angry at the right person at the right time in the right proportion demands temperance (emotional intelligence).
4. Wisdom: It represents the highest level of development in human, similar to achievement of enlightment or Nirvana under Indian philosophy. It is manifested through making complex things simple, self-insight, self-restraint and foresight.
Examples:
i) Character: Public servants should have a good character (Sheelam Param Bhushanam). Also, the PM remarked that “Character is the most important virtue of a Civil Servant”.
ii) Rationality: Bureaucracy is based on legal rational authority or Objectivity / rationality are principles of Civil Services.
iii) Courage: Courage is important trait to withstand the challenges of corruption and speak up against corruption-an act of whistleblowing (Satyendra Dubey).
iv) Wisdom: It is essential characteristics for taking decisions in complex and technical situation as decision should not only be right but also professional. CAG in India examines wisdom of expenditure to highlight any mal-practices.
| Good Character | Bad Character |
|---|---|
| AVB refused to bow down to bad politics to form government | Narsimha Rao government bribed Shibu Soren ‘cash for vote’ scam to win confidence |
| Yudhishthira know to stand by truth at personal cost | Duryodhana known for deceit and manipulations |
| A cricketer returns when he is out even if umpire is yet to take decision | Sushil Kumar and Lance Armstrong charged for doping |
“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost”-Gandhi.
Scientific Temper
“Facts are facts and will not disappear on account of your likes” – Jawaharlal Nehru
Scientific temper is defined as the sense of inquisitiveness in humans to keep enquiring about things on the basis of logic, objectivity, and rationality.
India has the distinction of being the first in the world to officially adopt scientific temper as a fundamental duty. The 42nd Amendment added Article 51 A(h) to the Constitution in 1976.
Supreme Court and scientific temper
In a 2024 ruling concerning the approval of genetically modified (GM) mustard, the Supreme Court of India applied principles rooted in scientific temper. In the case of ‘Gene Campaign vs Union of India’, the court engaged in a detailed scientific inquiry regarding the long-term environmental and health impacts of GM crops. Justice Nagarathna, invoking the precautionary principle, stressed the need for more concrete scientific evidence before GM mustard could be commercially released, reflecting the court’s cautious approach towards science-driven policies.
Courage in Civil Services
1. Ashok Khemka (IAS) – Canceled illegal land deals involving powerful interests despite repeated transfers; symbolic of moral courage and administrative integrity.
2. Durga Shakti Nagpal (IAS) – Took strong action against illegal sand mining mafia in Uttar Pradesh, facing political backlash but upheld the law.
3. Manjunath Shanmugam (IOC Officer) – Exposed adulterated fuel rackets; paid with his life, but his case led to legal reform and inspired others.
4. Sanjiv Chaturvedi (IFS) – Whistleblower who exposed corruption in AIIMS and Haryana Forest Department; faced victimisation, but stuck to ethics.
5. Raju Narayanaswamy (IAS) – Known for taking on corrupt practices in local bodies and industries in Kerala despite political interference.
Courage in Governance and Leadership
6. T.N. Seshan (Former CEC) – Boldly enforced electoral reforms, curbed malpractice, and resisted political pressure, transforming the Election Commission’s role.
7. Kiran Bedi – Introduced reforms in Tihar Jail despite resistance from staff and politicians; promoted humane and ethical policing.
8. E. Sreedharan – Resisted cost-cutting compromises in Delhi Metro construction to maintain safety and public interest — moral and professional courage.
9. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – Integrated princely states into India through a mix of diplomacy and firm leadership; courage in national interest.
10. Lal Bahadur Shastri – Took moral responsibility for a train accident as Railway Minister and resigned — showed ethical courage in public office.
Courage in Social Activism
11. Irom Sharmila – Protested against AFSPA in Manipur through a 16-year-long hunger strike; showed ethical courage against injustice.
12. Kailash Satyarthi – Rescued thousands of bonded child labourers from hazardous workspaces, often risking life in dangerous raids.
13. Medha Patkar – Fearlessly challenged large dam projects for displacing tribal communities in Narmada valley; endured threats and hostility.
14. Dr. Binayak Sen – Advocated for tribal rights and healthcare in Chhattisgarh; faced imprisonment under sedition charges but stayed firm.
15. Shantha Sinha – Took on child labour networks through grassroots efforts; led MV Foundation and National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
Historical Examples of Courage
16. Bhagat Singh – Sacrificed life for India’s independence; courage of conviction in standing for beliefs.
17. Rani Lakshmibai – Fought British forces during the 1857 revolt, showing both physical and moral courage.
18. Abraham Lincoln – Faced civil war to preserve the Union and abolish slavery; moral courage against political odds.
19. Nelson Mandela – Endured 27 years of imprisonment; emerged to reconcile, not retaliate — moral courage for peace and justice.
20. Mahatma Gandhi – Practiced non-violence even against brutal oppression; courage rooted in moral conviction, not weapons.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” — Nelson Mandela
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