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HVE 111

HUMAN VALUES AND ETHICS

Dr. Hrishikesh Sonawane

Associate Professor Department of Extension Education College of Agriculture Dhule

UNIT I

UNIVERSAL HUMAN ASPIRATION: HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY

Happiness: It describe, the state/situation in which I live, if there is harmony/synergy in it, then I like to be in that state or situation”. In other words state of liking is happiness. When we are in such a state of happiness– we experience no struggle, no contradiction or conflict within and we enjoy such a state of being and we wish to have its continuity. It is important to note that we do get an impression of happiness through our sensory interaction, such as while eating tasty food, seeing a beautiful picture, smelling a sweet fragrance, etc. However these impressions of happiness are always short-lived and their continuity can never be insured.

Prosperity:

It is the feeling of having or making available more than required physical facilities. To ascertain prosperity, two things are essential:

a) Correct assessment of need for physical facilities, and

b) The competence of making available more than required physical facilities (through production).

Prosperity often encompasses wealth but also includes other factor which are independent of wealth to varying degrees, such as health, spiritual notion, etc

THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS TO FULFIL BASIC HUMAN ASPIRATIONS

Right Understanding:

Lack of right understanding has led us into a variety of problem at different levels of our living, be it at the level of individual or a family or society or nature. As long as we live with wrong assumptions we shall continue to have the problems in ourselves and have problems in relationship, not feel happy or prosperous and will exploit nature.

means the feeling of having or being able to have more physical facilities than is needed. For ensuring feeling of prosperity, identification of need for physical facility is essential, over and above having wealth. So our assumption that accumulation of wealth is the only thing that we need and the rest shall be taken care of. But this is an incorrect assumption having wealth is necessary but not sufficient for prosperity. Right identification of physical facilities is the key towards prosperity.

HUMAN VALUES AND ETHICS: CONCEPT, DEFINITION

Human Values

Values are generally regarded as the moral standards of human behaviors in the society. It is a kind of quality of humans, which is applied to human activities. It is transmitted to a circumstantial factor which depends upon the judgment of the fact.

The word ‘value’ is derived from the Latin word ‘valeo’ which originally meant strength and also health, and then by natural transition, it came to mean being effective and adequate.

In French the term ‘valeur’ means excellence. Value is a mixture of three concepts such as Idea, Quality and Supervention.

Values can be defined as the principles that guide people's lives, and have varying significance. Values are the essence of our personality, and affect us to make decisions, trust people, and arrange our time and energy in our social life.

Values may be treated as keys to solving many world problems.

Values may be broadly categorized into two – (i) Intrinsic value and (ii) Extrinsic value.

Intrinsic values are those values which are associated with certain objects appearing to have such value that they would retain it even if they were to exist completely alone.

Extrinsic values are those values where certain objects have value as parts of other objects of value, or as means to ends of value. Values may be regarded as positive

and negative. Anything that has positive value is considered to be good, whereas

anything that has negative value is said to be evil.

The main functions of values are as follows:

1. Values play an important role in the integration and fulfillment of man’s basic impulses and desires in a stable and consistent manner appropriate for his living.
2. They are generic experiences in social action made up of both individual and social responses and attitudes.
3. They build up societies, integrate social relations.
4. They mould the ideal dimensions of personality and range and depth of culture.
5. They influence people’s behaviour and serve as criteria for evaluating the actions of others.
6. They have a great role to play in the conduct of social life.
7. They help in creating norms to guide day-to-day behaviour.

Significance of Human Values:

Human values have been a central concept in the social sciences since their inception. Human values play a vital role in the society, for they are said to be the basis of human beings for leading a better life.

The importance of values is frequently cited in relation to the global and national problems, whether it be in debates in international assemblies, in studies criticizing "value-free" approaches to research, or in discussion of quality of life and individual fulfillment.

avoiding errors and prohibiting against fabricating, falsifying, or

misrepresenting any data.

b) Enhances Cooperation

Working in any organization or workplace demands great deal of

cooperation and coordination amongst people at different levels and

different fields. As such, different values are promoted and shared

amongst these people, such as trust, accountability, mutual respect, and

fairness. These only contribute to better and improved working conditions,

growth, and success, in turn.

c) Assists In Dealings

The right sense of thinking can help us deal with people on a daily basis in the right and positive manner. The absence of the right approach and wrong sense can only induce negative feelings, thereby affecting our communication with people as well. Ethics, which are built on trust, help in treating everyone as the children of GOD and love everyone. Hence, ethics that we pass onto others reveals the correct way of living.

d) Builds Public Support

By following proper ethical norms, they ensure building positive and strong public support. Say, for example, people are more likely to invest in a project or fund if they are guaranteed about the quality and integrity of the project. However, if they are unsure of the quality and growth, they probably will step back and look for another similar project that will fulfill their demand.

e) Promotes Moral & Social Values

Ethics are considered to be of utmost importance simply because they assist in promoting other significant moral and social values. As such, values like social

responsibility, human rights, animal welfare, compliance with the law, and health and safety, are some that are supported through practicing proper ethics. Any flaw in our values will reduce our ability to achieve success in our endeavors. For example, a person who fabricates data in a clinical trial can harm or even kill patients. Sources of ethics

1. Genetic Inheritance

2. Religion

3. Philosophical system

4. Code of conduct

5. The legal system

6. Cultural experience

FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN VALUES

These fundamental human values are central to all cultures and ages, be it in the fields of religion, philosophy, ethics or law. They contain mankind’s deepest moral aspirations and form the basis of our lives as individuals and as societies. An educational system based on human values helps students to develop a holistic understanding of body, mind and soul. They learn that true happiness can only be found within, not in the ephemeral outside world.

1. Right Conduct

Right Conduct has its roots in the Sanskrit word ‘Dharma’. This expression cannot be translated literally. It covers ethical guidelines, ethical behaviour and moral righteousness. The saying “Do good, see good and be good” captures the essence and intent of this value. It is rooted in attitudes and habits inculcated from early childhood that mature into respect and adherence to the duties and responsibilities that come with one’s life circumstances.

the apparent diversity. It manifests itself as a non-violation of the laws of nature and respect for law and order. Nonviolence requires restraint from consciously doing harmful actions, whether it is against oneself, others or nature as such. If the ethical principles of nonviolence are embraced as a means to world peace – then we can find global harmony.

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Professional ethics means to develop professional competence with ethical human conduct. Ethical human conduct means definitiveness of human conduct. Ethical human conduct is the foundation of professional ethics. The only effective way to ensure professional ethics is through correct appraisal and systematic development of ethical competence in the professional (the human being). Profession is a significant domain of human activity targeted towards participating in the larger order which includes the society and nature around. Thus, it is a meaningful participation for each one in one or more of the five domains of human endeavor needed for a harmonious society. Ethical conduct of profession implies the right utilization of one’s professional skills towards the fulfilment of comprehensive human goal and thus, meaningfully participates in the larger order. Professional ethics may be defined as a form of applied ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that arise in a business environment. 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

Environmental ethics is the discipline in philosophy that studies the moral relationship of human beings to, and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents.

Environmental ethics is the part of environmental philosophy which considers extending the traditional boundaries of ethics from solely including humans to including the non-human world.

It exerts influence on a large range of disciplines including environmental law, environmental sociology, ecotheology ecological economics, ecology and environmental geography.

Issues in Environmental Ethics

1.Consumption of Natural Resources

Our natural environment is not a storehouse to rob resources from. It is a reserve of resources that are crucial to the existence of life. Their unscrupulous depletion is detrimental to our well-being. We are cutting down forests for making our homes. Our excessive consumption of natural resources continues. The undue use of resources is resulting in their depletion, risking the life of our future generations. Is this ethical? This is an environmental ethics issue.

2. Destruction of Forests

When industrial processes lead to destruction of resources, is it not the industry's responsibility to restore the depleted resources? Moreover, can a restored environment make up for the original one? Mining processes disrupt the ecological balance in certain areas. They harm the plant and animal life in those regions. Slash- and-burn techniques are used for clearing land, that leads to the destruction of forests and woodland. The land is used for agriculture, but is the loss of so many trees compensated for?

replenish them. This means, they may not be available for the future generations. We need to strike a balance between our needs and the availability of resources, so that the forthcoming generations are also able to benefit from their use.

We are morally obliged to consider the needs of even the other elements of our environment. They include not just other human beings, but also plants and animals. It is only ethical to be fair to these elements and make a responsible use of natural resources. Environmental ethics try to answer the question of whether human beings have any moral obligation towards the non-human entities in nature. For the sake of development and convenience, is it morally right to burn fuels though pollution is caused? Is it morally right to continue with technological advances at the cost of the environment? Climate change is known to have a negative impact on plant diversity. It is a fact that the increasing pollution levels are hazardous for not only humans but also for plants and animals. Given this, isn't it our moral responsibility to protect the environment? We have certain duties towards the environment. Our approach towards other living entities should be based on strong ethical values. Even if the human race is considered as the main constituent of the environment, animals and plants are in no way less important. They have a right to get a fair share of resources and lead a safe life.

SENSITIZATION TOWARDS OTHERS PARTICULARLY

SENIOR CITIZEN

Problems of Senior Citizens: -

Majority of the elderly in both rural 50.78 % and urban 57.35 % areas are totally dependent on others for economic support. Census reveals that a large number of the poor elderly people were not receiving pensions. Ageing is associated with the decline in physiological effectiveness. Not only elderly persons are at risk of particular age-related diseases; they may also suffer from combination of several

diseases. Senior citizens staying alone in the urban areas feel unsafe, Seniors are seen as a soft target by anti-social elements and dacoits. Crimes against seniors have seen a steady increase in recent times. Unhappy state of mind due to lack of exercise, lack of awareness regarding proper diet, lack of sleep due to stress, strain in relationships, financial constraints, fear psychosis, coping with medical emergencies. As per reports, 75-80 % of elders of middle class are lagging the respect, love, affection and protection.

What can be done to give relief to elderly people – Measures needed to be taken to control elder abuse –

• To promote family values,
• Sensitize the young on the necessities of older people and promote in them desirability of meeting familial obligations.
• The most effective measure is through sensitizing children and strengthening inter-generation bonding.
• Increased economic independence.
• Initiate state policies to encourage young generation to co-reside with their parents by providing tax relief, allowing rebates for medical expenditures and giving preference in allotment of houses.
• Short term staying facilities for older persons, so that family can get some relief when oldies go out.
• There should be nation-wide programs in schools and colleges for sensitizing children and young adults towards the aging and the aged,
• Sensitization of healthcare workers to recognize and develop a protocol for treating,
• Develop a robust social security system that not only ensures income security to the older persons, but also gives them opportunities for income generation.
• It is one of the primary ethical duty of any welfare government and its institutions to provide comfortable environment for elderly and terminally ill

UNIT II

SPIRITUALITY

The word Spirituality is derived from Latin word SPIRITUS which refers to “Breath” or “Wind” Spirituality refers to that part of human being that seeks meaning less through intra, inter and transpersonal connection. Spirituality involves a belief in a relationship with some higher power, creative force, divine being or infinite sources of energy. Spiritual needs for:- Love, Hope, Trust, Forgiveness, Being Respected and Valued, Dignity, Fullness of Life, Values, Creativity, Connecting with higher power, Belonging to Community Characteristics of Spiritual wellbeing:

• Sense of inner peace
• Compassion for others
• Reverence for life
• Gratitude
• Appreciation for unity and diversity
• Humor
• Wisdom
• Generosity
• Ability to transcend self Spirituality in the work place: Building spirituality in the workplace: Spirituality is promoted in the work place by adhering to the following activities:

1. Verbally respect the individuals as humans and recognize their value in all decision and action.
2. Get to know the people with whom you work and know what is important to them. Know their goals, desires and dream too.
3. State your personal ethics and your beliefs clearly.
4. Support causes outside the business.
5. Encourage leaders to use value based discretion in making decision.
6. Demonstrate your own self-knowledge and spirituality in all your action.
7. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

ATTITUDE

DEFINITION

Attitude is a mental position relative to a way of thinking or being. A positive attitude helps you cope more easily with the daily affairs of life. It brings optimism into your life, and makes it easier to avoid worries and negative thinking. If you adopt it as a way of life, it would bring constructive changes into your life, and makes them happier, brighter and more successful.

With a positive attitude you see the bright side of life, become optimistic, and expect the best to happen. It is certainly a state of mind that is well worth developing.

Positive attitude manifests in the following ways:

• Positive thinking.
• Constructive thinking.
• Creative thinking.
• Optimism.
• Motivation and energy to do things and accomplish goals.

• Life smiles at you.

Simple Tips for Developing a Positive Attitude:

1. Choose to be happy. Yes, it is a matter of choice. When negative thoughts enter your mind, just refuse to look at them, doing your best to substitute them with happy thoughts
2. Look at the bright side of life. It's a matter of choice and repeated attempts.
3. Choose to be optimistic.
4. Find reasons to smile more often. You can find such reasons, if you search for them.
5. Have faith in yourself, and believe that the Universe can help you.
6. Associate yourself with happy people.
7. Read inspiring stories.
8. Read inspiring quotes.
9. Repeat affirmations that inspire and motivate you. 10.Visualize only what you want to happen, not what you don't want. 11.Learn Learn to master your thoughts

SCIENTIFIC TEMPER

The Scientific temper is a way of life which uses the scientific method and which may, consequently, include questioning, observing physical reality, testing, hypothesizing, analyzing, and communicating.

Scientific temper refers to an attitude of logical and rational thinking. An individual is considered to have scientific temper if he employs a scientific method of decision-making in everyday life. The term was coined by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in his book 'The Discovery of India'.

TEAM WORK

The process of working collaboratively with a group of people in order to achieve a goal. Teamwork is often a crucial part of a business, as it is often necessary for colleagues to work well together, trying their best in any circumstance. Teamwork means that people will try to cooperate, using their individual skills and providing constructive feedback, despite any personal conflict between individuals. Why is Teamwork Important? 8 Good Reasons!

1. Creates synergy – where the sum is greater than the parts.
2. Supports a more empowered way of working, removing constraints which may prevent someone doing their job properly.
3. Promotes flatter and leaner structures, with less hierarchy.
4. Encourages multi-disciplinary work where teams cut across organizational divides.
5. Fosters flexibility and responsiveness, especially the ability to respond to change.
6. Pleases customers who like working with good teams (sometimes the customer may be part of the team).
7. Promotes the sense of achievement, equity and camaraderie, essential for a motivated workplace.
8. When managed properly, teamwork is a better way to work!