INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS

The central task of Ethics is to induce self-conscious human beings to think about the ultimate Good, the criterion of the right wrong of their judgements. It is here and not in pointing to some panaceas or ideals that the importance of Ethics lies. Man's mind is the field of multiple and conflicting desires as he is always in the process of being what he is not at the present moment, the solution of this conflict requires the choice of some one alternative, some one desire. This needs volition. Life is impossible without will and judgement. But few think seriously about its criterion. Ethics, as moral philosophy deplores this thoughtless life. The moral man ought to deliberate seriously of the criterion of right and wrong and act seriously according to it. An act done with such a sincerity and thoughtfulness is moral whatever be its consequences. Not result but sincerity of purpose is the raison d'etre of moral act. But can we finally and permanently fix up some moral ideal in life? Will it not hamper the free play of life? On the other hand, it moral ideal changes with time and place how can Ethics be called science? This is a paradox. This dilemma can be solved by laying down only a broad outline of the ultimate end whose contents may change to suit time and place though its form remains the same. A plausible concept is the ideal of Integral Development. The integral development of individual includes the development of society as well since without the latter the former is hardly possible. The integral development of man means the development of all the aspects of his being. Broadly, the important aspects of man's being are physical, cognitive, conative, affective, psychic and spiritual. Integral development is the development of all these. This however, does not mean that it is a compromise on the basis of equality of all these since though none of these insignificant their significance varies in degree. Thus the spiritual is more important than mental and mental than physical. This, however, does not justify the sacrifice of either for the other since that will hamper integrity of development. In fact, there is not necessary conflict among them. Any absolute dualism between either two of these is based on false philosophy and pseudo-psychology. An integral harmony among all these is the ideal which can be gradually achieved. And man's happiness increases in direct proportion to this achievement. This will require the help of different sciences specially that of psychology, sociology and even Biology. These will help in guiding out practical means for the realisation of this moral ideal. Ethics only presents a broad outline of the summum bonum while the means for its achievement have to be found out by each man individually. This hypothesis is based on the fact of individual variation amply demonstrated by modern psychology. The present work aims at including the reader to think for the moral means and ends. The author has tried to give it all the characteristics of a text book on the subject. His efforts will be amply rewarded it is serves this purpose for the students as well as for the general reader.

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