Read Think and Write Strategy for Ethics

What is Read Think and Write strategy of EthicsVillae?

The approach/strategy is to make you self learn ethics with guidance from experts, the approach intends to dis-burden you from conventional methods (pile of books, hectic classes, stress etc.). To save your time and relieve you from hectic schedule we recommend the following approach.

Read (it will hardly take 30 minutes)

First read the syllabus and questions of the respective day as mentioned in the schedule.

Then read the relevant topics from the book of your choice.

For example- say Day-1 topic is on Human values. Then you should read about these topics from the books or notes of your choice.

Think (Do not allocate any specific time for this)

You should consciously do think part of this program while you were walking, jogging, cooking or taking bath etc. (if aspirant has luxury of time, he/she can dedicate exclusive time for this).

Then pen down your thoughts in words when you were back to study table. (i.e. Write phase)

For example– you should think about the Human Values that you have already read about like truth, love, honesty, loyalty etc.

Think of incidents from your personal life, or from the lives of great leaders (Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekanand, B R Ambedkar, Vishwa Guru Basavanna etc) and write those as examples in 50 words.

For example – Truth

At first you should define ‘Truth’.

Then write in about the importance/significance of ‘Truth’ illustrating example from your life or from the life of great leader.

Write (another 30 minutes)

Write the answer for the questions given in the EthicsVillae platform. The questions are based on the topics of the syllabus of the respective day.

Do not try to be a great scholar while writing your answers. Just write in simple words with blend of ethical approach.

For example- Truth

Definition- Truth is that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality. In truth, there is no deceit.

Example

During my childhood me and my brother used to steal 2 rupees from my mothers’ pocket. In the beginning mother did not notice this, and we continued to steal. After some day she came to know that frequently 2 rupees missing from her purse, and she asked both of us. I told we don’t know about this, she slapped. My brother told the truth. She forgave our mistake and told us not to lie and not to steal.

(Truth can never contradict non-injury. Speak what is true. Speak what is pleasant. Speak no disagreeable truth, speak no agreeable falsehood.

Truth always exists in a pure unmixed state. Truth includes self-restraint, absence of jealousy, forgiveness, patience, endurance, kindness, love.)

few other sample examples.

Concept – integrity

Definition – integrity means having strong moral principles, being honest, and standing for what we believe in, a person without one is likely to fall for anything (lose morale).

Example

Recently, I went to purchase chocolates for my niece. After purchasing chocolates forgot to pay the 10 Rupees and left the shop. Since the shop was busy the shopkeeper also didn’t notice. When I reach home, came to know that I didn’t pay the money. Immediately I went to the shop and paid the amount. This brought the smile on the face of the shopkeeper. And a sigh of relief in me and a sense of satisfaction. By this act I established myself as honest.

Concept – Aptitude

Definition – it is the natural ability to do something. It is a component of a competence to do a certain kind of work at a certain level.

Example

Aptitude is the one of the important qualities of a civil servant. A civil servant has the ability and skill to learn new things can serve better the nation and public than his peers. For example, a civil servant with good aptitude skills to learn new language serves the local people better than other officers. This helps in speedy, effective delivery of services.

What examiner expects in your answer is (as mentioned in the syllabus by UPSC)

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society.

Not your academic knowledge about ethics, its theories, philosophical approach etc.

So be stress free ………. Stay calm stay tuned……… Work consistently.

Some model questions

Day-1 – syllabus – Human values

Questions

Q.1) Define the following terminologies/concepts/ethical words/principles in your own words. And write an example picking a story from your life or from the life of great leaders/thinkers or a hypothetical story in about 50-70 words for each of the concepts.

1. Truth
2. Love
3. Peace
4. Justice

Q.2) God of Truth and Justice can never create distinctions of high and low among His own children. – Mahatma Gandhi.  What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain. (150 words)