Mains Practice Questions

Approach:

• Introduce the answer by briefing about temperance using a Ethical theory
• Give role of Temperance in Addressing Inequality and promote environmental sustainability
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction:

In tackling issues like inequality and environmental sustainability, the ethical principle of temperance (the ability to exercise moderation, restraint, and balance) vital guidance. Rooted in Aristotle’s Golden Mean, temperance advocates for finding balance between extremes.

Body

Temperance in Addressing Inequality:

• Fair Wealth Distribution: Temperance encourages equitable wealth distribution, helping to reduce wealth disparities.
  • For example, Sweden’s progressive taxation system ensures that wealthier citizens pay higher taxes, which are then redistributed to fund public services like healthcare and education, promoting social equity.
• Inclusive Economic Growth: Temperance advocates for growth that benefits all segments of society, not just the affluent.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in India exemplifies this by providing banking access to millions of unbanked people, reducing financial exclusion and fostering inclusive economic development.
• Social Safety Nets: Temperance leads to a balanced approach where social safety nets and welfare programs are prioritized alongside economic development.
  • For example, Norway's universal healthcare system provides equal access to medical services, ensuring that health disparities are reduced, and no one is left behind due to financial limitations.
• Encouraging Fair Access to Opportunities: By tempering the excesses of economic liberalism, temperance helps create opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
  • For instance, affirmative action policies in education and employment help uplift marginalized communities, ensuring a more equal footing for all.

Temperance in Promoting Environmental Sustainability

• Sustainable Resource Use: Temperance encourages the responsible use of natural resources, avoiding their depletion for short-term gains.
  • The Netherlands’ water management practices, including the use of flood defenses and sustainable agriculture, highlight this approach to balancing development with ecological conservation.
• Adoption of Green Technologies: Moderating industrial expansion in favor of eco-friendly technologies reflects temperance.
  • Copenhagen's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2025, through renewable energy sources and cycling infrastructure, demonstrates how temperance can drive sustainable urban development.
• Moderating Consumption: Temperance promotes reducing unnecessary consumption, leading to waste reduction and resource conservation.
  • Japan’s recycling initiatives and focus on a circular economy reflect this idea of temperance in promoting environmental responsibility.
• Balanced Economic and Environmental Policies: Temperance leads to policies that balance economic growth with environmental protection.
  • For example, Germany’s Energiewende, which focuses on transitioning to renewable energy, exemplifies how temperance in policy formulation can promote both economic development and environmental sustainability.
• Long-Term Ecological Balance: Temperance encourages foresightedness in addressing environmental concerns to ensure long-term ecological balance.
  • India’s Panchamrit Goals sets ambitious goals for reducing emissions, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.

Conclusion:

As Aristotle aptly stated, “The virtue of justice consists in moderation, as regulated by wisdom.” This quote perfectly captures the essence of temperance. However, temperance alone is not sufficient; it must be paired with other virtues such as justice, wisdom, and fairness to create a truly ethical and sustainable approach to governance.