Q.1. Explain the definitiveness of ethical human conduct.
Related Questions -
Q. What do you mean by definitiveness of ethical human conduct? How can it be ensured. (2011-12)
Q. What do you earn by definitiveness of ethical human conduct? Explain. (2012 - 13)
Ans. The right understanding gained through self-exploration also enables us to identify the definitiveness of human conduct which may also be called the ethical human conduct. It is the same for all human beings. So we are also able to understand the universality of ethical human conduct which is in consonance with the universal human values. Accordingly all debates and confusions about what is ethical for one may not be ethical for others etc. also lose their base. Let us now understand the salient features of this definite human conduct i.e. the ethical human conduct.
Each one of us wants to have a definite conduct but presently we may not be able to ensure that. This is because we are presently living on the basis of our pre-conditionings or assumptions which are not in consonance with the truth or the right understanding. But, this situation neither gives satisfaction to us nor to others. We do see the human beings struggling to find out what the right conduct is and in the process, exhibiting a wide variety of attributes. We also see people debating endlessly about what they consider to be ethical. But unless we have the right understanding, we are not able to identify the definitiveness of ethical human conduct. It can be understood in terms of the following:
1. Values (Mulya): -
Values are a part of our ethical conduct. They are the outcome of realization and understanding, which are always definite. As ,when I understand the reality correctly, and the underlying harmony at all levels of existence and my participation in it, I am able to perceive the universal human values as a part and parcel of this reality. My imaginations are now always in terms of the definite participation of mine in this existence in terms of fulfilment of these universal human values.
2. Policy (Niti): -
Having been convinced about the values and about the inherent harmony in the existence, I am able to develop an ethical sense in all my pursuits. I always think, behave and work towards nurturing this harmony. It leads us to adopt policies conducive to human welfare — conducive to enrichment, protection and right utilization of mind, body and wealth. This is an outcome of the definiteness of my desire, thought and expectation (selection) as guided by right understanding.
3. Character (Charitra,): -
The definiteness of my desire, thought and selection gives definiteness to my living. Definitiveness of character is the outcome of the definiteness of my behaviour and work. This can be mainly characterised in terms of the following:
* Chastity in conjugal relationship i.e. chastity in husband-wife relationship- (svanari, sva-purusa)
* Rightful production acquisition and utilization of wealth (sva-dhana)
* Human behaviour and work with kindness (dayapurna karya-vyavahara)
This definitiveness of human conduct in terms of values, policies and character is termed as Ethics.
On this basis, we get a definite notion of ethics. We get a definite criterion to judge whether an act of human being is ethical or unethical, and a definite way to work for ethics in life and profession. We can see that the ethics in the living of an individual can be imbibed only through inculcation of values, policies and character, and this is possible through the process of ensuring right understanding through self-exploration.
At the same time, we can see that a human being with ethical human conduct coupled with requisite professional skills only can be a good professional, namely, a good engineer, a good manager, a good teacher and researcher, a good technocrat, etc.
We can further qualify the ethical human conduct on the basis of the following:
• ‘Ethical conduct’ implies that it is naturally acceptable to me and does not give rise to conflict within.
• ‘Ethical conduct’ implies that it is in consonance with the right understanding of the reality — the underlying harmony at all levels.
• ‘Ethical conduct’ implies that it leads to mutual fulfilment with other people and mutual enrichment with rest of nature.
Thus, the ‘ethical conduct’ is self-satisfying, people-friendly, eco-friendly and universal.
Q.2. Write note on humanistic education.
Ans. Humanistic Education: -
Inculcation of the right understanding at all 4 levels (from self to entire existence) and development of the competence to live in accordance with it forms the core of humanistic education. One should be able to evaluate all the endeavours in the light of right understanding. Humanistic education will incorporate appropriate integration of values and skills so that human beings are able to understand their physical needs correctly and adopt suitable techniques and production systems to cater to these needs in an eco-friendly and people friendly manner.
The humanistic education will facilitate the process of self exploration which will lead to continuous self evolution of human beings. It will also enable the realization of one’s innateness (svatva) as well as the universality and definitiveness of ethical human conduct. It will also develop the conviction that only value based living can be conducive to continuous happiness and prosperity for one and all.
Adequate research effort is needed to evolve and implement the models of such an education. To begin with, the education of a child starts at home. The child learns and understands things living in close relations at home. So every model will entail the right kind of environment at home for the child to develop. When the child needs more exposure to skills and knowledge, he/she will need a formal system, in the form of some collective effort in the society. To start with it is necessary to introduce the required inputs of value education. But in the longer run, the whole education system will need to be re—designed in the light of right understanding. It is a useful exercise for us to learn how a child can be facilitated to have the right understanding since childhood, how it will learn languages, reading, writing and arithmetic skills, and skills that form a part of higher education.
Q.3. Define briefly humanistic constitution.
Ans. Humanistic Constitution: -
In the right understanding also provides us the basis for a humanistic constitution which is essential to provide clear guidelines and policy framework conducive to the development of an un-fragmented human society and a universal human order. Working towards the comprehensive human goal and developing the competence for ethical human conduct will be among the salient directive principles of a humanistic constitution. It will safeguard the social justice in true sense.
Presently, the human society is divided into various castes, creeds, religions and nationalities whose objectives and interests are proving contrary to those of others. Accordingly, a major part of human endeavour is used in handling these conflicts and contradictions. Paradoxically, the human beings are spending a substantial part of their energies and resources in preparing themselves for war, only to ensure peace! As we can now understand, when the parameters of human welfare are universal, i.e. commonly applicable to all human beings, why should the human endeavour in pursuit of these common objectives be conflicting to the interests of each other? This can only be there because of our ignorance, because of our incorrect assumptions/beliefs about happiness and about reality. Presently, our effort is directed towards trying to stop a wrong behaviour by means of an equally or more wrong behaviour - a crime by executing a bigger crime, a violence by greater violence. This can never be successful in the long run and only gives rise to a vicious circle to perpetuate the wrong doings. Things can only be set right by developing human consciousness, by developing right understanding and living among people and in no other way. Thus, the right understanding also offers a satisfactory and spontaneous resolution of the prevailing human conflicts ranging from the family level and going up to the global level.
In the light of the right understanding, what will the fundamental rights and duties be, what will the way be to ensure justice and protection in the society what will the format be of working for a universal human order, how will people connect to the world family, how will the representation of people be ensured in maintaining order in the society, these all issues are to be addressed. To begin with, the family will be smallest unit of order in the society. Moving from family to the world family, the humanistic constitution will provide the basis of harmonious living. These are relevant issues in terms of visualizing the holistic alternative to the present scenario.
Q.4. The appreciation of the need for right understanding is the first trigger to transition. Clarify It.
Ans. The first and foremost step to begin this journey is to be adequately convinced about the need for carrying out self-exploration. The need for seriously analyzing ‘what we presently are’ and ‘what we really want to be’, the need to verify our beliefs and pre-conditionings, the need to understand what is motivating our actions presently and what its consequences are — has to be duly appreciated so that we may be able to put in the required effort and give due priority to make the transition possible.
When, through self-exploration we are able to see a big chasm between what we really want and what we are presently pursuing, then the urgency of taking the corrective step becomes clear. Getting ready for self-exploration is, thus, the first vital step towards transition to the holistic way of life. Today, we are mostly motivated by what other people around us seem to be doing and by the attractive consequences of such actions in the immediate future. Whatever seems to be pleasant to our sensory experience appeals to us as worth pursuing. Thus, in spite of increasing problems all around we do not get motivated enough to seek a viable alternative because of our strong pre-conditioning and sensory attraction In fact, we tend to find superficial justifications to defend our present worldview and thereby carry on with the status-quo. The whole orientation towards right understanding has been grossly missing from our present education system. Thus, the appreciation of the need for right understanding is the first trigger to transition.
Q.5. Define some negative behaviour which generally occured in any organization.
Ans. The presence of negative behaviour among the associates shows that the values as professed by the organization are not at all put into practice. They are some times very harmful to the organization. The following illustrates the various dimensions of negative behaviour being practiced in any organization.
Ego: -
We do not accept the valued views of others and blindly defend our own stand.
Fear: -
We fear of standing up to the occasion if we feel something is going wrong somewhere.
Assuming without validating: -
We take things for granted and do not validate the underlying assumptions in any given situation.
Complication: -
We unnecessarily and unwarrantedly complicate things instead of approaching them in a simple and straightforward manner.
Irrational decision making: -
We take decisions just like that without a sound basis not considering relevant facts and details. We are not objective and We tend to be superficial even while making decisions which impact others.
Improper communication: -
We use flowery language without expressing what We want to say in simple and clear terms. We do not communicate fully and properly.
Q.6. What are the certain characteristic of an organization which is valued for employees.
Ans. There are certain values which are considered as significant by employees. Organizations need to encourage, nourish and nurture these values in order to transform them as successful organizations.
Satisfaction: -
Customer satisfaction is mainly propelled by employee satisfaction. The key value is to bring the best out of the employees by providing them a suitable and congenial work culture and organizational environment. They can work in a healthy environment and get satisfaction from the organization.
Respect: -
Employees get attracted to an organization if they feel there is respect and recognition for them. If we give respect then we can take respect from others.
Universal values: -
The presence of Universal values in an organization enables it to attract the best talent. In such an environment it is relatively easier for retaining the talent. The attrition rate also becomes minimal.
Equity: -
Employees feel comfortable and committed if the organization treats all associates in a fair and equitable manner. The level of transparency, openness and objectivity is an important consideration from the point of view of the employees.
Merit: -
Employees are attracted if there is a proper mechanism to identify, recognize and reward individual merit. They feel reassured if there are ample opportunities for career advancement based on proven performance. Every body wants to go up. When employee get rewards or prompotion, he try to devote himself for the organization.
Care: -
Employees feel secure and satisfied if the organization demonstrates its care and concern for their welfare.
Q.7. What do you mean by professional ethics.
Ans. Professional Ethics: -
According to Ruth Chadwick “Professional ethics concerns the moral issues that arise because of the specialist knowledge that professionals attain, and how the use of this knowledge should be governed when providing a service to the public.”
Professional Ethics are the rules governing the rules, transactions and relationships within a profession and among its public.
Professional Ethics are moral principles, rules and standard of conduct guiding professionals in performing their functions. Codes of professional ethics are established by various organizations such as American Society for Civil Engineers (AS CE) for professionals involved in civil engineering, Association for Computing Machinery for Software Engineers and so on. When a professional violates these ethics, they will be subject to disciplinary action. The professional’s ethics will affect the reputation of the profession he/she is involved. This also impacts public confidence in the profession and the organization represented by the professional. When a professional renders service, it should be delivered on the basis that the professional has the ability or the skill in delivering the service. They are very helpful to provide success in an organization. A professional cannot deliver a satisfactory product or service without having the knowledge or the ability in developing or rendering his products or services. The professional must have the intention of meeting the client’s needs satisfactorily. While performing these duties, the professional must scrupulously follow all the rules, laws and regulations and adhere to expectations and standards of their professions. Any product delivered or service rendered must have good quality. Privacy and confidentiality must be maintained with the clients. Estimates are to be accurate with no intention of deceiving, besides ensuring that the services are provided at a fair and reasonable price. The professional must always act in the best interest of the client and the public in mind. When an engineer delivers a sub-par product to a client, the client loses trust in the product. This might result in loss to the company to which the professional is associated. Sometimes, the product developed could also be harmful to the general public. So, a professional should always adhere to ethical values, standards and principles of his profession.
Code of Ethics in engineering identifies the specific precedence in which the engineer should act in consideration of the public, clients, employers and profession.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) have the following Code of Ethics for the members:
“We, the members of the IEEE, in recognition of the importance of our technologies in affecting the quality of life throughout the world, and in accepting a personal obligation to our profession, its members and the communities we serve, do hereby commit ourselves to the highest ethical and professional conduct and agree:
1. to accept responsibility in making decisions consistent with the safety, health and welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might endanger the public or the environment;
2. to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible, and to disclose them to affected parties when they do exist;
3. to be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data;
4. to reject bribery in all its forms;
5. to improve the understanding of technology, its appropriate application, and potential consequences;
6. to maintain and improve our technical competence and to undertake technological tasks for others only if qualified by training or experience, or after full disclosure of pertinent limitations;
7. to seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to acknowledge and correct errors, and to credit properly the contributions of others;
8. to treat fairly all persons regardless of such factors as race, religion, gender, disability, age, or national origin;
9. to avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by false or malicious action;
10. to assist colleagues and co-workers in their professional development and to support them in following this code of ethics.”
Q.8. Who are the professional engineers.
Ans. Professional Engineer is the term used for licensed engineers or registered engineers in some countries who are permitted to offer professional services directly to the public.
In the United States, registration or licensure of Professional Engineers is performed by the individual states and is valid only in the state that the license is given. The General process of obtaining a license as a professional Engineer is as follows:
1. Graduate with a degree from an accredited four-year university program in engineering.
2. Complete a standard Fundamentals of Engineering written examination, which tests applicants on breadth of understanding of basic engineering principles, and optionally some elements of an engineering speciality.
3. Accumulate a certain amount of engineering experience typically under the supervision of a Professional Engineer. In most states the requirement is four years, but in others the requirement is lower.
4. Complete a written Principles and Practice in Engineering examination, testing the applicant’s knowledge and skills in a chosen engineering discipline (civil, electrical etc.) as well as engineering ethics.
Q.9. Define the general principle for engineering ethics.
Ans. General Principles for Engineering Ethics: -
American Society of Civil Engineers has the following fundamental rules:
“Fundamental Rules”
1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the performance of their professional duties.
2. Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.
4. Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
5. Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others.
6. Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession and shall act with zero-tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption.
7. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision.”
The good of the public is considered as the highest ethic. So an engineer should always be aware of the responsibility that he has towards the public to make sure that public is not harmed in anyway. The safety, health and welfare of the public override loyalty and obligation to the client or the employer. Engineers much always have respect for the environment and protect the health of present and future generations.