Unit 5
Implications of the above Holistic Understanding of Harmony on Professional Ethics
Q1. According to a holistic understanding of harmony in professional ethics explain what is Natural Acceptance of Human Values.
Ans:- The natural acceptance of human values means what is naturally acceptable to humans without any hesitation or any objection. Humans have certain values that come naturally and are not induced by any external stimuli, either provided by the self or provided by any other person. We must first try to understand the value in different dimensions of human living to understand the natural acceptance of human values in a better way.
Utility value, this value is concerned with the participation of human beings in ensuring the role of the physical facility in nurture, protection, and providing means for the body. Artistic Value, this value is concerned with the participation of human beings in ensuring the role of the physical facility to help and preserve its utility.
Universal values emerge naturally from the right understanding. The universal values are the truths of existence and are always there. It is for us to discover these through self-exploration and learn to live in accordance with these to be happy. These values cannot be enforced by fear, greed, or false beliefs. The natural acceptance of humans also plays a very vital role in their professional life, their career, and their performance in their professional life. As it is very clear from the above explanation that, if we have a natural acceptance towards something we will also incline to make it a part of our daily life, and our professional life also is a part of our daily life. Thus if we choose our profession according to our natural acceptance we will naturally feel inclined and interested to work on that dimension for a longer period. If we don’t have a natural acceptance towards our profession, however hard we may try we will never be able to give our full effort since natural acceptance plays a very vital role in bringing out our full working potential through our efforts.
For example, if someone has a natural acceptance or inclination towards literature and humanities, he will soon feel monotonous or exhausted in an engineering profession, that is why it very important for people to first recognize their natural acceptance towards various professions through the process of self –exploration and then only choose a correct profession for them. People might also be creative and try to find out ways how to incorporate their natural acceptance towards something in their professional field of work, which will keep them away from losing concentration while they can still give their maximum work potential to their professional career. This is something which the managers or authorities of various firms and companies are trying to do so that they can incorporate a maximum number of employees having varied natural acceptance of profession and extract maximum output from them, without making them feel worn out.
Q2. What is the Definitiveness of Ethical Human Conduct?
Ans: We will try to understand the definitiveness of ethical human conduct with the help of an example. For example, as we identify a mango tree or an apple tree by its well-defined specific characteristics which always remain the same, as we identify water or air or iron or a cow by their respective characteristics- their innateness. Similarly, let us also try to find the innateness of a human being. So as a mango tree has a definite “mango-ness” iron has a definite “iron-ness” similarly let us understand the definitiveness of ethical human conduct.
The right Understanding gained through self-exploration also enables us to identify the definitiveness of human conduct which may be also called ethical human behaviour. So, we are also able to understand the universality of ethical human conduct which is in consonance with the universal human value. We also see people debating endlessly about what they consider to be unethical. But unless we have the right understanding, we are not able to identify the definitiveness of ethical human conduct.
The definitiveness of ethical human behaviour or conduct can be well understood by understanding values, policy, character. Values or “Mulya” are a part of our ethical conduct. They are the outcome of realization and understanding, which are always definitive. As already mentioned when “I” understand the reality correctly, and the underlying harmony at all levels of existence and my participation in it. Policy or “Niti” means having been convinced about the values and the inherent harmony in the existence, we can develop an ethical sense in all our pursuits. We always think, behave, and work towards nurturing this harmony. Character or “Charitra” is the definitiveness of our desires, thought, and selection that gives definiteness to our living. The definitiveness of character is the outcome of the definiteness of our behaviour and work.
Q3. What is the basis for Humanistic Education?
Ans: Humanistic Education is the right understanding starting from self to entire existence is called humanistic education. It means the inculcation of right understanding at all four levels, (self, family, society, and entire existence) and development of competence to live by it, this forms the core of humanistic education.
One should be able to evaluate all endeavors in light of the right understanding. Humanistic Education will inculcate the integration of value and skills so that human beings can understand their physical needs rightly and adopt suitable techniques and production systems to cater to these needs in an eco-friendly manner. Humanistic education will facilitate the process of Self-exploration which will lead to the non-stop self-evolution of human beings.
Humanistic Education gives us the ability to realize one's innateness as well as definitiveness, ethical human conduct, and Universality. It also tries to make us understand that only value-based existence can be conducive to constant happiness and prosperity for everyone. It also says enough amount of research effort is needed to implement and evolve the pre-set models of such an education. For example, the education of a small child begins at home his own home, where he learns and understands things in a close relationship at home
Humanistic educations include right understanding, this right understanding refers to a proper evaluation of our needs and expectations, if we do not have a proper understanding of our needs and expectations we will keep running in all directions and up reaching nowhere, Same applies to our professional life, humanistic education forms an integral part of the work professional ethics. If we have proper humanistic education then we will have the right to understanding our needs and aims, which help us in shaping our professional strategies and goals accordingly. For example, if a firm or company has the right understanding of the aspiration and needs of their customers and employees, they will be able to plan their strategies according to the needs of the customers and the aspirations and expectations of the employees. Thus following such a wise path will create a sense of mutual fulfillment in the professional working environment. A proper and right understanding will be reached between the customers and the firms and companies and another ci operative relation between the authorities and the employees. Thus following such a pattern will altogether bring harmony in the professional life of people. This forms the basis of humanistic education.
Q4. What do you understand by the Humanistic Constitution and Humanistic Universal Order?
Ans: Right understanding provides the basis for s humanistic constitution. Constitution provides clear guidelines and policy framework conducive to the development of an un-fragmented society and universal human order. Working towards the comprehensive human goal and developing the competence for ethical conduct will be among the directive principles of the humanistic constitution. Things can only be set right by developing human consciousness, developing the right understanding, and living among people.
It may be said that the humanistic constitution refers to the set of rule or precepts which the human beings should try to follow and live according to them. This set of pre-set rules or precepts are like some religious cult, which ensures mutual fulfillment and coordination in human order together with the other three orders namely animal order, plant order, and material order. The humanistic constitution is the framework for human lives, following which the humans may live in harmony with their selves and with the entire existence.
Humanistic Universal Order refers to the process of “samadhan” or right understanding in the society and continuity of this process among human beings from time to time leads to universal human order. A human being having definitive answers for every problem or hurdle that arises, and can explain why it came with a spiritual, intellectual, or material explanation, alone can assure it’s living with a stable and sustained harmony and happiness.
Q5.What do you understand by ‘ competence in professional ethics’?
Ans: To begin with we must first understand what the profession means. The profession is a significant domain of human activity targeted towards participating in larger order which includes society and nature around us. It is meaningful participation for each one is more of the domains of human endeavour needed for a harmonious society. Of this, one important domain happens to be in the form of production and production-related activities which makes available the necessary physical facility for oneself and one's family. Through professional education, one acquires skills and scientific knowledge to make this contribution in a larger order.
Professional ethics means to develop professional competence with ethical human values. Developing ethical Competence in the individual is the only effective way to ensure professional ethics. The development of ethical Competence is a long term process to be achieved through appropriate value education. As the profession is only a subset of the life activities, the competence in the profession will only be the manifestation of one’s right understanding. The remarkable features which characterize this competence in professional ethics are as follows:
Therefore it is expected from a competent professional to carry on their profession with the right understanding or “samadhan”, dedication and skilfulness so that the effort is conducive to the welfare of human beings, that is the efforts should be conducive to the well being and prosperity or “samridhi” of all, and also to the fulfillment of the rest of Nature.
Q6.Write a note on case studies of typical holistic technologies, management models, and production systems.
Ans: The holistic criteria for evaluation are as follows. Modern technologies and systems are visualized according to the current scenario. There is a need to visualize which is compatible with a comprehensive human goal. The criteria for development are: catering to appropriate needs and lifestyle, people-friendly, and eco friendly. Based on these criteria technology, production system, and management models are discussed.
Criteria for technologies are as follows, the criteria include catering to real human needs, compatible with natural systems and cycles, facilitating effective utilization of the human body, animals, plants, and materials. Safe, user-friendly, and conducive to health. Producible with local resources and expertise as far as possible. Promoting the use of renewable energy sources. Low cost and energy-efficient. Promoting decentralization. Durability and the lifecycle, and also the recyclability of products.
Criteria for production systems are as follows; It includes what to produce, how to produce, for whom to produce, and how much to produce. Decisions must be taken based on the availability of natural resources and to fulfill the needs of the people with the consonance of comprehensive human goals. The production system must be judged upon, optimal utilization of local resources and expertise, priority for local consumption, facilitating production by masses, and not mass production in centralized mode. Ensure equality of production. Should be safe and conducive to the health of the persons involved.
The criteria for management models instruct the management needs to focus on the fulfillment of persons connected with the production system as well as the users to produce. It sees the whole team or unit as a well-joined family, who motivational and cooperative. It also makes sure there is the correct appraisal for human labour. It focuses more on the consumers, employees rather than profit. It also promotes continuous value increment of the people involved.
Q7. Write a note on the procedure for the transition from the present state to universal human order.
Ans: For the smooth transition from the present state to universal human order, the following steps may be undertaken:
Q8. What should be the strategies for transition from the present scenario or state to universal human order at the individual level, socially and ecologically responsible engineers, technologists, and managers?
Ans: The present standard for attaining name and recognition in the business world is accountability shown towards the environment and society. This is considered to an up to date or trendy approach, also the corporate fame and reputation have more width and depth than these singular or individualistic issues. It is thought that social and ecological responsibilities might be considered in bigger issues of reputation or name. In any way, these responsibilities will continue to be important parts of the business world or environment. The responsibility or liability towards the environment maybe be carried at different individual levels:
The moral and social duties of the manager are complementary to each other, in a way the manager is doing a moral duty when he is fulfilling his social duty of solving social issues.
Q9. At the level of society: as mutually enriching institutions and organizations, what should be the strategies for transition from the current state to universal human order?
Ans: People are accountable to perform their public duties and responsibilities at the social level and their actions must be to bring happiness and prosperity for the entire society. Hence there should be a balance between the financial development and welfare of the society and state. Social responsibility can be achieved only if this balance is maintained and preserved. The concept of social responsibility depends on an ethical system, according to which judgment is done, and according to which moral confirmation is given. In case any institutions fail to maintain their commitment and duty towards Nature and society, their actions have to be treated as social irresponsibility. It is the moral duty or social responsibility of every individual to think of the welfare of society before thinking about individual interest and welfare.
The companies and the corporate sector have arranged social responsibility which is tailored to suit the atmosphere of the company. The presentation of the social responsibility of the firm or company indicates, that both the atmosphere and workers are treated as equal assets. This protection of social responsibility in a company or firm, will bring a sense of unity in society and will also aid in the preservation of ecology.
Since the firms and companies have an influencing effect on both the social and natural environment. Therefore, the firm and companies should recognize their ethical responsibility, as they are directly or indirectly affecting the social and natural environment. Just like any other individual the managing authority of the various institutions and organizations must recognize their influencing effect on nature and society and must formulate guidelines to make sure that their firms are adhering to their social responsibility while running behind profit. The companies and firms must also make these guidelines for social responsibility open to the public to maintain a sense of mutual trust and responsibility with the general public.
Q10. How do the current world views lead to contradictions and dilemmas in professional life? – Explain.
Ans: We can apprehend with more clarity through examples, how the contradictions and dilemmas are intrinsically generated by the existing point of view of the world in which wealth increment to the maximum limit is perceived to be the prime goal. In such a situation, ‘others’ loss is our gain’. Thus the other person’s satisfaction and comfort seem to conflict with our aspirations and expectation. In that case, the other people have to be exploited for one to gain affluence and there is no possibility of mutual fulfillment in a sustainable way. In the same way, exploitation of nature also becomes acceptable as it helps a person to accumulate wealth easily and there is no limit to this. Let us analyze how such a world view affects the propensity of people in different professions. Take the example of business circles, whenever commodity is scarce due to say – monsoon failure or other natural disturbances or wars etc, the people, in general, are in distress and need succor; however in such a situation the businessmen endowed with materialistic world view will feel elated and look at it as an opportunity to make maximum profit. They feel that the market is ‘improving’ and they should take the maximum advantage of it, even accentuate it by hoarding and black marketing to serve their objective. Thus the profit of such businessmen and the consumers at large enter a state of direct conflict. While in reality they are expected to be mutually complementary. Similarly, ethical practices like adulteration and spurious production, etc. are also adopted in an attempt to maximize profits- albeit at the cost of highly threatening public health and safety. An interesting example of the existing duality is clear in the advertisements that we regularly come across, particularly in the case of different remarkably harmful products like cigarettes, “ pan masala”, alcohol, etc. Where on one side, the use of these products is extremely glorified using style icons and celebrities to attract the consumers, and in the end, there is an almost incoherent statutory warning indicating that the use of these products is hazardous to health. Thus there is a clear tendency of making profits by promoting the sale of products that are injurious to public health. In such a paradigm the dilemma as to how much importance is to be given to someone’s profit and how much importance must be given to the health and welfare of the people, consumers and society always remain unsolved.
Q11. Give a critical review of the current management models in the profession.
Ans: Studying from the prevalent systems in Nature and conventional practices: If we desire to obtain a look into the holistic systems, we have a lot to learn from systems of nature and conventional practices. With the modern advancements and transformations in science and technology, and their far-reaching uses and utilities, an impression has been developed that Nature is mainly for exploitation according to the desire and wants of human beings. Nature was controlled and exploited for human enjoyment. Further, it is thought that the prevalent systems in Nature are all outdated and have to be replaced by modern artificial systems, which humans think are better than the old system. This is how we look at ‘development’. Similarly, it is also accepted that conventional practices are all outdated and must be rejected outright. This arrogant attitude towards nature and the conventional practices and beliefs have caused extreme damage to humanity and the environment at large in recent times. It is high time we critically check and analyze these beliefs and rectify them in the light of correct understanding.
In reality, Nature is like a mother who not only provides us nourishment but also acts as a teacher by providing enough learning grounds. Human beings are an intrinsic component of this large self-sustaining Nature and it is very important to understand its workings and its systems to live in harmony with it. After all, it is only by careful study of Nature that all the rules and principles governing different systems of the world have been discovered by human beings. Similarly, the processes and cycles of nature also need to be apprehended and emulated as needed in artificial designs. Then only, we can rightly visualize and evolve the holistic way of existence in harmony with Nature.
As for the conventional practices, it is true that with an increase in understanding of Nature and skills, and with changing requirements, it is indispensable to make betterment and modification in technologies and systems of human use, however, to do that it is important to critically analyze their strong and weak points. It is essential to recognize the features which have enabled conventional practices to serve humanity for long periods. The eco-friendly and people-friendly features of many conventional practices are much worthy of our identification and preservation. Then we will be in a better place to utilize our present-day knowledge to infuse the systems and make them more effective, reliable, efficient, and more focused on current requirements. For example, we can learn a lot from the conventional practices of eco-friendly agriculture techniques, watershed management, eco-restoration, herbal formulations, preservation techniques, and artisanal practices, and so on. It does not mean going backward but rather gives us the ability to avail from the vast reserve of knowledge and experience that the traditional or conventional systems hide in them. So that we become more ready and rightly prepared to leap forward in the right direction.
