MORAL versus LEGAL - ETHICS versus EVIDENCE
EVIDENCE BASED ETHICS
Musings on Modern “New Age” Ethics
By
VIKRAM KARVE
For the last few years, seeing the news on TV and in newspapers, I have discovered a new type of ethics – “evidence based ethics”.
This is what happens.
People commit a misdemeanor – it may be corruption or some other crime.
When questioned the standard answer is:
“There is no evidence against me.”
No one speaks the truth.
No one tells the actual facts.
No one answers the moot question:
“Did you commit the misdemeanor or not?”
They just answer:
“There is no evidence against me.”
This is the modern “new age” ethics – EVIDENCE BASED ETHICS
The old “moral ethics” is no longer relevant.
Yes, in today’s world, “evidence based ethics” prevails over moral “value based ethics”.
Things like “morals”, “values”, “principles” etc do not matter.
What matters is “evidence”.
You commit a crime, you take a bribe, you indulge in corruption, you perpetuate a scam, you take part in a scandal, you steal, you cheat …
And when someone asks you: “Did you do it?”
You do not speak the truth.
You do not answer directly whether you did it or not.
You never own up your mistake.
You never admit your wrongdoing.
You just say: “There is no evidence against me!”
This “new age” ethics is going to affect the value system of future generations very badly.
Remember that you are a role model to your children.
So beware before you admonish, scold or counsel your children when you think they have done something wrong.
Your children may answer back: “There is no evidence against me!”
VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 20 July 2013
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
Copyright © Vikram Karve 20 July 2013
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
Disclaimer:
All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
NB
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
Copyright © Vikram Karve 20 July 2013. All Rights Reserved
Thanks for bringing up this topic. I always wondered why judiciary system in this country is so much burdened and hence there is no justice. One reason you have brought forward. Is it the case that in Western countries by and large people admit their mistakes quickly in the court of law? I am inclined to believe it. What do you think?
ReplyDelete--
Regards,
Mahesh.
@ Mahesh,
ReplyDeleteYou do have a point - in India the common man is scared of the judiciary (for its cumbersome red tape) and police (who sometimes harass you for no fault of yours)and hence no one admits mistakes. Also, we have an inherent tendency to cheat and this is being passed on to the new generation.