Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The concept of the "good life" refers to an ideal state of well-being, fulfillment, and happiness. It is often viewed as a life that is meaningful, joyful, and aligned with one's values and desires. The ethical crisis in modern society can largely be traced to a narrow and materialistic conception of the good life, often equated with wealth, power, and external success.

Body

Materialism and Ethical Decline:

• Consumerism and Material Success: In modern societies, the pursuit of material wealth often dominates the idea of the good life, sidelining ethical values like integrity and compassion.
  • For example, corporate corruption and environmental degradation often arise from the overemphasis on economic growth and material success.
  • Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index challenges this, valuing well-being over material growth.
• Loss of Moral and Spiritual Fulfillment: When society equates a good life with material wealth, it neglects the importance of moral virtues such as honesty, kindness, and empathy.
  • This narrow focus contributes to a crisis in ethical values, as seen in the rise of unethical business practices (crony capitalism).
  • For example, political candidates with criminal backgrounds are fielded to influence masses, prioritizing control over character.

Breakdown of Social Ethics:

• Self Centrism Over Collective Good: In today's society, individualism often takes precedence over collective well-being. A narrow definition of the good life emphasizes personal achievement and success, sometimes at the cost of others’ rights or the common good.
  • For example, the growing disparity between the rich and the poor reflects a shift away from the values of fairness, justice, and social solidarity.
• Erosion of Community Values: The diminished focus on community and social responsibility has contributed to a weakening of ethical values.
  • For example, businesses using CSR as PR tools while exploiting workers or harming the environment.
  • The rapid expansion of the digital world has led to new ethical concerns that traditional moral frameworks struggle to address.
    • For example, social media often prioritizes sensationalism and self-interest, while reducing personal responsibility and empathy in interactions.

Conclusion

When success is measured by material wealth, and individual gain, ethical principles such as justice, fairness, and empathy are overlooked. To resolve this crisis, it is essential to redefine the good life by incorporating moral, social, and spiritual dimensions that promote collective well-being and responsibility.