UPSC Mains: CSM 2013: What do you understand by ‘ values’ and ‘ethics’ ? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent ?
Can you be a great doctor, engineer, or civil servant without being a good human being? This post explores what values and ethics truly mean—drawing from Indian philosophical roots and global thinkers—and shows why professional competence must walk hand-in-hand with ethical integrity. Perfect for UPSC GS4 aspirants and anyone reflecting on what it really means to do the right thing.
GS PAPER 4
8/2/20251 min read
🕉️ "Ātmani pratikūlāni pareṣāṁ na samācharet" (Mahabharata)
“Do not do unto others what is undesirable to yourself.”
This ancient Indian principle encapsulates the core of ethics—treating others as you’d wish to be treated.
🔍 Definitions:
Ethics (Greek: Ethos = character):
Ethics is the science of morals, examining human actions in terms of right and wrong.Values (Milton Rokeach):
“An enduring belief that a specific mode of conduct or end-state of existence is personally or socially preferable.”
🧭 In short:
Values = What we believe.
Ethics = How we act on those beliefs.
🌿 Examples to Clarify:
National values: Patriotism, democracy, unity, and integrity.
Ethical behavior: Using honest means to achieve even noble ends—e.g., fighting corruption without breaking the law.
🤝 Why Being Ethical Along with Professionally Competent Matters
A surgeon may be skilled, but without ethics, they may exploit patients.
A civil servant may be efficient, but without values, they may misuse power.
✅ 6 Reasons Ethics Must Accompany Competence:
1️⃣ Skill may get you the job, but ethics sustains it.
E.g., An honest auditor builds lasting trust; a dishonest one doesn’t.
2️⃣ Ethical competence humanizes public service.
Adds empathy, compassion, and devotion to mere efficiency.
3️⃣ Ethics guide tough decision-making.
Especially in dilemmas where rules and reality conflict.
4️⃣ Ethics build trust & loyalty in organizations.
Leading to better teamwork and accountability.
5️⃣ Knowledge without ethics is dangerous.
Just like a sharp knife in the wrong hands.
6️⃣ Together, they create holistic competence.
True excellence is a blend of ability + integrity.
🔚 Conclusion:
Being professionally competent without ethics is like being a fast train without brakes—you may go far, but you risk derailment. In contrast, ethical values keep our competence rooted in public interest, justice, and human dignity—especially vital in public service.
🧩 Ethics is not a luxury in professionalism—it is the foundation.