Moral & Political Attitudes

Exploring the Foundation of Ethical Conduct and Democratic Governance

Begin Exploration

Introduction & Overview

Attitudes are learned predispositions to respond in a consistently favorable or unfavorable manner with respect to a given object, person, idea, or situation. They comprise cognitive (beliefs, thoughts), affective (feelings, emotions), and behavioral (actions, intentions) components.

Moral attitudes refer to predispositions concerning principles of right and wrong, such as fairness, justice, and honesty. Political attitudes relate to predispositions towards political objects like parties, leaders, policies, and the political system itself.

Both moral and political attitudes are crucial in shaping individual behavior, social interactions, and the functioning of governance, particularly for public servants who are expected to uphold high ethical standards and constitutional values. Understanding their formation, development, and impact is vital for effective public administration and a healthy democracy.

Moral Attitude

Definition:

A moral attitude is a learned predisposition to evaluate and respond to situations, actions, or individuals based on a set of moral principles and values. These principles typically include concepts like fairness, justice, honesty, integrity, compassion, and responsibility.

It reflects an individual's internal moral compass and guides their judgment of what is right or wrong. Possessing a positive moral attitude implies an inclination towards ethical behavior and a commitment to upholding moral standards.

Development of Moral Attitudes:

Moral attitudes are not innate but develop through a complex interplay of cognitive development, social learning, and personal experiences.

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development:

(Source: NCERT Class XII Psychology; IGNOU MA Psychology, Ethics textbooks)

Level 1: Pre-conventional Morality (Typically up to age 9)

Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation:

  • Right and wrong are determined by what is punished.
  • Moral decisions are based on fear of punishment.

Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange (Instrumental Purpose Orientation):

  • Right and wrong are determined by what is rewarded and what is in one's own self-interest.
  • Reciprocity is based on "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."
Level 2: Conventional Morality (Most adolescents and adults)

Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships (Good Boy/Nice Girl Orientation):

  • Right and wrong are determined by social approval and maintaining good relationships with others.
  • Intentions become important.

Stage 4: Maintaining the Social Order (Law and Order Orientation):

  • Right and wrong are determined by obeying laws, respecting authority, and performing one's duties to maintain social order for the good of all.
Level 3: Post-conventional Morality (Attained by a minority of adults)

Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights:

  • Right and wrong are determined by upholding fundamental rights, values, and legal contracts of a society, even if they conflict with concrete rules.
  • Laws are seen as social contracts that can be changed if they do not serve the greater good.

Stage 6: Universal Principles:

  • Right and wrong are determined by self-chosen universal ethical principles like justice, equality, and respect for human dignity.
  • These principles are comprehensive and consistent. Individuals act because it is right, not because of law, fear, or approval.

Gilligan's Critique of Kohlberg:

(Source: Ethics textbooks, Feminist philosophy literature)

Carol Gilligan, in her book "In a Different Voice" (1982), argued that Kohlberg's theory was biased towards a male perspective, emphasizing justice and rights (an "ethic of justice").

She proposed an alternative "ethic of care," which she found more prevalent in women, emphasizing interpersonal relationships, responsibility, care, and compassion.

Stages of Ethic of Care (Gilligan):

  1. Orientation to Individual Survival: Focus on self-interest.
  2. Goodness as Self-Sacrifice: Focus on caring for others, often at the expense of self.
  3. Morality of Nonviolence: A balanced approach recognizing the needs of self and others, emphasizing interconnectedness and responsibility to avoid harm.

It's now widely accepted that both justice and care perspectives are important for comprehensive moral reasoning and can be used by individuals of any gender.

Importance for Public Service:

Upholding Ethical Standards

Fundamental for integrity, honesty, and impartiality (Nolan Committee Report). Builds public trust. (Source: 2nd ARC Report on "Ethics in Governance")

Ensuring Justice and Fairness

Commitment to justice ensures equitable application of laws and policies, without bias or favoritism.

Fighting Corruption

Moral conviction empowers resistance to temptations and pressures for corrupt practices. Fosters transparency and accountability. (Example: Whistleblowers)

Compassionate Governance

Empathy and compassion drive responsiveness to citizen needs, especially the vulnerable. (Example: Proactive disaster relief by DMs)

Role Modelling

Public servants with strong moral attitudes inspire ethical conduct in colleagues and society.

Ethical Principles in Action:

Moral attitudes are demonstrated through decision-making in real-life situations and ethical dilemmas.

Political Attitude

Definition:

A political attitude is a learned predisposition to respond favorably or unfavorably towards specific political objects.

These objects can include:

  • Political System: Democracy, authoritarianism.
  • Institutions: Parliament, judiciary, executive, Election Commission.
  • Political Parties: Ideologies, platforms, and specific parties.
  • Political Leaders: Personalities, capabilities, and actions of leaders.
  • Policies and Issues: Specific government programs, laws, or public concerns (e.g., reservation policy, environmental regulations, foreign policy).

Political attitudes influence how individuals perceive and engage with the political world.

Formation of Political Attitudes:

Political Socialization

Lifelong process of acquiring political beliefs. Key agents: Family (primary), Educational Institutions (civic values), Peer Groups, Religion, Community. (Source: NCERT Class XI Political Science)

Media Influence

Powerful shaper through news, opinion pieces, portrayal of events. Social media increasingly influential, sometimes polarizing. (Source: Contemporary news analysis)

Personal Experiences

Direct interactions with government, experiences with public services, or significant life events can mold attitudes.

Ideology

Coherent beliefs (e.g., liberalism, conservatism, socialism, Gandhism) provide framework for interpreting events and forming attitudes.

Influence on Governance:

Neutrality vs. Partisanship in Civil Service:

The Debate:

  • Neutrality: Traditional view that civil servants should be politically impartial, serving any elected government with equal loyalty and efficiency. Ensures continuity and professionalism.
  • Partisanship/Committed Bureaucracy: Argument that civil servants should be "committed" to the socio-economic goals of the elected government. Critics argue this leads to politicization, favoritism, and corruption. (e.g., discussions during Indira Gandhi's era)

Constitutional and Legal Mandate for Neutrality:

  • Indian Constitution (Articles 309, 310, 311) provides framework for civil services.
  • All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 and Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 explicitly require impartiality and forbid active political participation (e.g., Rule 5 of CCS Conduct Rules). (Source: Laxmikanth "Indian Polity")
  • 2nd ARC Report on "Ethics in Governance" strongly recommended upholding political neutrality.

Role of Civil Servants:

Key Summaries

Table 1: Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development (Summary)

Level Stage Focus
Pre-conventional 1. Obedience & Punishment Avoiding punishment
2. Individualism & Exchange Self-interest, rewards
Conventional 3. Good Interpersonal Relationships Social approval, being "good"
4. Maintaining Social Order Law and order, duty
Post-conventional 5. Social Contract & Individual Rights Societal welfare, democratic principles
6. Universal Ethical Principles Justice, equality, human dignity

Table 2: Political Neutrality in Civil Service

Aspect Description
Definition Impartiality, objectivity, and non-partisanship in official conduct and advice.
Rationale Ensures continuity of administration, public trust, professionalism, merit-based decisions.
Constitutional/Legal Basis Articles 309-311, All India Services (Conduct) Rules, CCS (Conduct) Rules.
Threats Political interference, politicization of appointments/transfers, personal ambitions, ideological bias.
Upholding Adherence to rules, ethical conduct, institutional safeguards (e.g., independent UPSC, CVC).

Prelims-Ready Notes

Moral Attitude - Quick Facts
  • Learned predisposition based on moral principles (fairness, justice, honesty).
  • Kohlberg's Stages:
    • Pre-conventional: Punishment avoidance, self-interest.
    • Conventional: Social approval, law and order.
    • Post-conventional: Social contract, universal principles.
  • Gilligan's Critique: Kohlberg's theory male-biased; proposed "ethic of care" (relationships, responsibility) alongside "ethic of justice."
  • Importance in Public Service: Uphold ethics, fight corruption, compassionate governance, build public trust.
  • Demonstrated via decision-making based on ethical principles.
  • Nolan Committee Principles: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, Leadership.
Political Attitude - Quick Facts
  • Learned predisposition towards political objects (parties, leaders, policies, system).
  • Formation:
    • Political Socialization (Family, Education, Peers).
    • Media (traditional & social).
    • Personal Experiences.
    • Ideology (Liberalism, Conservatism, etc.).
  • Influence on Governance: Public support for policies, electoral behavior, political stability.
  • Civil Service Neutrality: Impartiality, non-partisanship. Mandated by CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 & AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
  • Debate: Neutrality vs. Committed Bureaucracy.
  • Role of Civil Servants: Uphold Constitution, give impartial advice, implement policies faithfully regardless of political changes.

Mains-Ready Analytical Notes

Moral Attitude - Debates, Trends, & Relevance
  • Major Debates/Discussions:
    • Universalism vs. Relativism: While some principles are universal (honesty), their application can vary. For public service, constitutional and universal ethical principles are paramount.
    • Kohlberg vs. Gilligan: Not a strict dichotomy, but complementary. Public service often requires both justice-based and care-based perspectives.
  • Historical/Long-term Trends, Continuity & Changes:
    • Continuity: Indian traditions (Dharma, Ashokan edicts, Gandhian ethics) emphasized moral conduct.
    • Changes: Increasing complexity, aspirations, corruption instances led to renewed focus on ethics (Lokpal Act, Whistle Blowers Protection Act).
  • Contemporary Relevance/Significance/Impact:
    • Crucial for Good Governance (World Bank, UNDP).
    • Essential for combating corruption (India's rank in CPI 2023: 93/180).
    • Promotes inclusive development through fairness and compassion.
  • Real-world/Data-backed Recent Examples:
    • Positive: Civil servants like Ashok Khemka (integrity), Armstrong Pame (compassion, crowdfunding).
    • Negative: Scandals highlighting erosion of moral attitudes.
  • Integration of Value-added Points:
    • 2nd ARC Report ("Ethics in Governance"): Detailed recommendations.
    • Mission Karmayogi: Shift to role-based HR, focusing on ethical conduct.
    • Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Steps in when governance falters.
Political Attitude - Debates, Trends, & Safeguards
  • Major Debates/Discussions:
    • Neutrality vs. "Committed Bureaucracy": Consensus strongly favors neutrality.
    • Anonymity vs. Visibility: Traditional anonymity challenged by social media, RTI.
  • Historical/Long-term Trends, Continuity & Changes:
    • Continuity: "Steel frame" concept (neutral bureaucracy).
    • Changes: Increased political polarization, coalition politics, assertive media pressure neutrality. Frequent transfers as political tools.
  • Contemporary Relevance/Significance/Impact:
    • Electoral Integrity: Neutrality of ECI officials vital for free & fair elections.
    • Policy Implementation: Neutral civil service ensures public good, not partisan benefit.
    • Public Trust: Impartial civil service enhances confidence.
  • Real-world/Data-backed Recent Examples:
    • Civil servants facing political pressure.
    • ECI ensuring level playing field.
    • Debates on civil servants joining politics post-retirement (e.g., former CJI Ranjan Gogoi).
  • Integration of Value-added Points:
    • Sarkaria Commission & Punchhi Commission: Recommendations on politicization.
    • Supreme Court judgments (e.g., T.S.R. Subramanian vs Union of India, 2013): Fixed tenure, insulation from political interference.
    • Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: Aims to tackle corruption linked to breakdown of neutrality.

Current Affairs & Recent Developments

UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims MCQs:

Q1: Which one of the following is not a feature of Indian federalism? (UPSC CSE 2017)

(a) There is an independent judiciary in India.

(b) Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.

(c) The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha.

(d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units.

Answer: (d)

Hint/Explanation: Understanding political attitudes towards federal structures and the nature of the Indian Union (indestructible union of destructible states, not an agreement like the USA) is relevant. Neutral civil servants must uphold this constitutional design.

Q2: With reference to the provisions contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2020)

1. They shall be enforceable by courts.

2. They shall not be enforceable by any court.

3. The principles laid down in this part are to influence the making of laws by the State.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (d)

Hint/Explanation: DPSPs (Part IV) are fundamental to the governance of the country and reflect moral-political ideals. Civil servants, guided by moral attitudes, are expected to work towards realizing these principles, even if non-justiciable.

Q3: One common agreement between Gandhism and Marxism is: (UPSC CSE 2020)

(a) The final goal of a stateless society

(b) Class struggle

(c) Abolition of private property

(d) Economic determinism

Answer: (a)

Hint/Explanation: This question tests understanding of different ideologies that shape political attitudes. Both, despite different methods, envisioned an ultimate stateless, classless society where coercion is minimal, reflecting a certain moral-political ideal.

Mains Questions:

Q1: "The values you believe in, the beliefs you have, and the ethics you follow will define your leadership." In the context of public service, discuss the importance of these aspects. (UPSC CSE 2023, GS Paper IV)

Direction:

Define values, beliefs, ethics. Explain how each contributes to leadership in public service – integrity, decision-making, empathy, inspiring trust, motivating teams, navigating ethical dilemmas. Give examples.

Value Points:

Integrity (honesty, incorruptibility), Objectivity (impartiality), Empathy (compassion), Courage of Conviction, Accountability, Selflessness. Link to Nolan Principles. Impact on good governance, public trust, service delivery.

Q2: What are the major factors responsible for the politicization of bureaucracy in India? (UPSC CSE 2022, GS Paper IV - adapted)

Direction:

Define politicization of bureaucracy. Identify factors like political interference in appointments/transfers, nexus between politicians and civil servants for mutual benefit, erosion of civil service anonymity, use of civil servants for partisan ends, ambiguous rules, lack of fixed tenure (despite SC judgments), and personal ambitions of some civil servants.

Value Points:

Discuss impact on neutrality, efficiency, morale, and public trust. Suggest reforms (e.g., strengthening Civil Services Boards, enforcing conduct rules, political will).

Q3: Discuss the role of civil society in promoting ethical governance and accountability. How can moral and political attitudes within civil society influence public service ethics? (UPSC CSE - based on recurring themes)

Direction:

Define civil society. Explain its role as a watchdog, advocate, mobilizer for transparency (RTI), accountability (social audits), and ethical conduct.

Value Points:

  • How civil society's moral attitudes (demand for honesty, justice) create pressure for ethical behavior in public servants.
  • How its political attitudes (support for democratic norms, participation) can strengthen oversight mechanisms.

Examples: Anti-corruption movements, environmental activism, rights-based advocacy. Challenges faced by civil society.

Trend Analysis (Past 10 Years)

Prelims Trend
  • Direct questions on Kohlberg or Gilligan are rare, but understanding moral development is background knowledge for ethics.
  • Questions on constitutional values, fundamental duties, and DPSP often touch upon the expected moral and political compass of the state and its functionaries.
  • Questions on governance, rights, and political theory implicitly test understanding of political attitudes and ideologies.
  • Focus is more on application or conceptual understanding of terms related to ethics and governance rather than rote memorization of theories.
Mains (GS Paper IV) Trend
  • Moral Attitudes: Consistently high focus. Questions directly ask about foundational values for civil servants (integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication, compassion, etc.). Case studies frequently test the application of moral attitudes. Development of moral attitudes is a recurring theme.
  • Political Attitudes (Neutrality): Core and frequently asked topic. Questions explore challenges to neutrality, ways to uphold it, and the debate around committed bureaucracy.
  • Evolution:
    • Initially, questions were more direct and definitional.
    • Over time, they have become more analytical, requiring deeper understanding, interlinkages, and application to real-world scenarios.
    • Case studies have become more complex, weaving in conflicts between different values or pressures.
    • Quotations from moral thinkers, leaders are used as prompts.

Original MCQs for Prelims

Q1: Consider the following statements regarding Carol Gilligan's critique of Kohlberg's theory of moral development:

1. Gilligan argued that Kohlberg's stages overemphasized an "ethic of justice" primarily derived from studying male subjects.

2. She proposed an "ethic of care" as a distinct moral framework often more prominent in women, focusing on relationships and responsibility.

3. Gilligan completely rejected the validity of Kohlberg's justice-based stages, advocating solely for the ethic of care.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect. Gilligan did not completely reject Kohlberg's stages but argued that the "ethic of care" was an important, often overlooked, dimension of moral development, suggesting both perspectives are valuable.

Q2: Which of the following best exemplifies a challenge to the political neutrality of a civil servant in India?

(a) A civil servant efficiently implementing a policy formulated by the ruling party, with which they personally disagree.

(b) A civil servant using their official social media account to praise the manifesto of a specific political party during election season.

(c) A civil servant providing factual data and objective analysis to a parliamentary committee, irrespective of its political implications.

(d) A civil servant taking prompt action to provide relief to citizens affected by a natural disaster.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statement (b) clearly shows partisan behavior, which violates the principle of political neutrality mandated by conduct rules. (a) and (c) demonstrate neutrality and professionalism. (d) shows dedication to public service and compassion, which are desirable moral attitudes but not directly about political neutrality.

Original Descriptive Questions for Mains

Q1: "A positive moral attitude is the bedrock of ethical public service, yet its cultivation and sustenance face numerous challenges in contemporary India." Elaborate on this statement, suggesting measures to strengthen moral attitudes among public servants.

Key Points/Structure for Answering:

  • Introduction: Define moral attitude and its importance for public service (integrity, compassion, impartiality).
  • Body Part 1 (Bedrock): Explain how moral attitudes lead to ethical decision-making, fight corruption, ensure fairness, build public trust, and promote compassionate governance. Link to Nolan principles.
  • Body Part 2 (Challenges): Discuss challenges: Systemic corruption, political pressure, lack of whistleblower protection, normalization of unethical practices, personal ambitions, ethical dilemmas, erosion of societal values.
  • Body Part 3 (Measures): Strengthening ethical training (Mission Karmayogi), promoting ethical leadership, decisive action against misconduct, performance appraisal reform, protecting honest officers, public awareness, transparency, simplification of rules.
  • Conclusion: Reiterate critical need for strong moral attitudes and multi-pronged approach for good governance.
Q2: Analyze the evolving nature of political attitudes in India and their impact on the principle of civil service neutrality. What institutional safeguards are necessary to ensure that civil servants can function impartially amidst growing political polarization?

Key Points/Structure for Answering:

  • Introduction: Define political attitudes and civil service neutrality. State the core tension.
  • Body Part 1 (Evolving Political Attitudes): Increased citizen awareness, social media's role (polarization), identity politics, decline in deference, critical scrutiny.
  • Body Part 2 (Impact on Neutrality): Increased pressure to align with ruling party, politicization of appointments/transfers, public expression of leanings, erosion of anonymity, difficulty in giving frank advice.
  • Body Part 3 (Institutional Safeguards): Strengthening Civil Services Boards (CSBs), clearer conduct rules (social media), fixed tenures, empowering independent institutions (UPSC, CVC, Lokpal), ethics training, professional culture, grievance redressal for undue pressure.
  • Conclusion: Emphasize robust institutional mechanisms to shield civil service neutrality amidst dynamic political attitudes for impartial governance.

Conclusion & Way Forward

Moral and political attitudes are foundational to the character of individuals and the nature of governance. For public servants, cultivating strong, positive moral attitudes (rooted in integrity, compassion, and justice) and adhering to political neutrality are not mere professional requirements but ethical imperatives. These attitudes ensure that governance is fair, equitable, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all citizens, thereby strengthening public trust and contributing to national development.

The way forward involves:

Ultimately, the right moral and political attitudes among public servants and citizens alike are crucial for realizing the constitutional vision of a just, inclusive, and prosperous India.