Questions
Q1. Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words) 10 marks
Q2. “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Nelson Mandela (150 words) 10 marks
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Model Solutions
Q1. Digital ethics principles are necessary to prevent erosion of public values and deal with the ethical implications of digitizing governance systems. Discuss. (150 words) 10 marks
Model Structure
Introduction:
- In this digital age, it is crucial to have a clear orientation towards ethical principles. In the context of erosion of public values due to digitization and ethical implications of digitizing the governance system, it is all the more required.
Main Body:
- Some examples of eroding public values owing to digital systems include:
- Erosion of public trust in digital media due to cyber frauds, scams, harassment issues.
- Increased self-centeredness and reduced empathy, as seen when people record videos of accidents.
- Rise in aggressive and self-destructive behavior owing to depression due to spending excessive time on social media.
- Increasing anxiety due to worrying about appearance and competing for followers.
- Higher cyber bullying cases and radicalization of youth.
- Ethical implications of digitizing governance system
- Introduction of biometrics increases the probability of losing control over sensitive information.
- The ethical issue of privacy arises, as the platform administrator can track all the data and can misuse it.
- CERT-IN has recently reported that India ranks 6th in the Global Breach List.
- As digital governance systems collect citizens' data, there is a possibility of authorities using the data to nudge citizens’ behavior, thereby increasing asymmetry between citizens and the government.
- Inadequate accessibility to public services, especially in a country like India, due to low literacy levels, low internet penetration, lack of access to smartphones etc.
- Need of integration of the following digital ethical principles:
- Autonomy: Autonomy of every single human should be respected because everyone has the right to live according to his/her own ideas and set his/her own goals.
- This applies in the digital context as well wherein data is exchanged between two parties.
- Justice: To ensure fair distribution of digital resources and prevent discrimination in the long term.
- Beneficence: It ensures that the digital governance system aims at promoting the well-being of individuals and society with a clear delineation of the benefits and impacts.
- Non-maleficence: Decisions regarding digital services need to thoroughly assess advantages and disadvantages of individual options and find a balance between feasibility and potential risks.
- Transparency: Open communication regarding use of data and different processes involved in the digital product is essential to build trust in people about the services offered.
- Autonomy: Autonomy of every single human should be respected because everyone has the right to live according to his/her own ideas and set his/her own goals.
Conclusion:
- Thus, businesses and developers of new technologies need to adopt a good set of such ethical guidelines and principles since it is the cornerstone of successful adoption of technology by the people.
Q2. “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” Nelson Mandela (150 words) 10 marks
Model Structure
Introduction:
- Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid and social discrimination existing in South Africa. In his struggle he taught three rules of life: “free yourself; free others; and serve every day”.
Main Body:
Decoding the given quote:
- Happiness: Though it varies for each individual, Plato said that the virtue of happiness springs from doing good and helping others.
- Nishkama Karma: As a central message of the Bhagavad Gita, it is necessary to step beyond personal goals and agendas while pursuing any action for the greater good.
- Upholding Civil Rights: History often talks about the unequal treatment of people and the suppression of voiceless people's rights.
- This motivated many civil rights activists, including Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr.
- To raise their voice against injustice, bringing liberty to millions who would otherwise have been treated as second-class citizens.
- Research and innovation: Many scientists like Galileo and Edward Jenner took personal risks to their lives to bring scientific changes in the existing society.
Significance of the quote in contemporary period:
- Growing Egoism: In a modern world with materialistic life and changing metrics of lifestyle, actions often tend to be egocentric. This in turn leads to growing inequality in society.
- Example: A couple working in the IAS, and posted at Delhi, vacated a stadium for their personal walk at the cost of an athlete’s practice.
- Selflessness: As part of policy implementation and bringing change in the standards of living of people, civil servants need to keep their personal interest aside and should work for the society.
- Example: Armstrong Pame, who took personal efforts to raise the crowd fund and to build the 100 kms road in Manipur.
- Make a difference: Azim Premji, founder of WIPRO, is a role model for Indian philanthropy. Such role models impact other businessmen to efficiently use their CSR funds.
- Intergenerational equity: In the wake of climate change, countries, companies, and individuals need to re-think about the impact of their actions on future generations.
- Limiting their desires and shifting to sustainable acts is the need of the hour.
Conclusion:
- Therefore, keeping others' and society's interests in mind not only helps to establish equality and harmony in the modern world, but it also brings happiness to the individual through altruistic behavior.