Human Values & Ethics
-An Introduction
Jayanta Kr. Dutta
Asst. Prof.
Department of Extn. Edn.
College of Agriculture, AAU, Jorhat, Assam
VALUE means ‘to be of worth’
OR
The amount of money that something is worth.
⚫Human values are closely related with
human life.
⚫ No human life is possible without values.
Human Values are those universal concepts,
drivers of action which are found in all
cultures, all societies, all times and in all
places where human beings barely exist their
lives.
MEANING AND DEFINITION OF
HUMAN VALUES
• Human values are the virtues that guide us to
consider the human element when one
interacts with other human beings.
• They are our strong positive feelings for the
human essence of the other.
• A VALUE is defined as a principle that
promotes well-being or prevents harm.
• Values are generally regarded as the moral
standards of human behaviors in the society.
Some examples of Human values are :
• Brotherhood, friendship, empathy, compassion,
love.
• Openness, listening, welcoming, acceptance,
recognition, appreciation.
• Honesty, fairness, loyalty, solidarity.
• Civility, respect, consideration.
Evolution of Human Values
1)The emotions developed or modified by one’s
own awareness, choice, and judgment in
fulfilling the needs.
2)The teachings and practice of Preceptors
(Gurus) of Religious Leaders
Evolution of Human Values
3) Fostered or modified by social leaders, rulers
of kingdom and by Law (Government)
TYPES OF VALUES
⚫The five human values, which can be found in
all cultures, all societies and in all religions,
are
1. Truth (sathya)
2. Right Conduct (dharma)
3. Love (prema)
4. Peace (shanti)
5. Non- Violence (ahimsa)
TYPES OF HUMAN VALUES AND THEIR SUB VALUES
Truth Right
Conduct
Love Peace Non-
Violence
Truthfulness Manners Kindness Patience Consideration
Creativity Health
awareness
Friendship Concentration Cooperation
Honesty Helpfulness Forgiveness Positiveness Loyalty
Determination Responsibility Generosity Self
Acceptance
Justice
Fairness Independence Compassion Self Discipline Respect
Trust Perseverance Tolerance Thankfulness Active
Citizenship
Reflection Courage Service Contentment
• Values may be broadly categorized into two –
(i) Intrinsic value and
(ii) Extrinsic value.
• Intrinsic values are those values which are
inherently rewarding
• Example: Creativity, social justice and
connection with nature
• Extrinsic values are centered on external
approval or rewards.
• Example: Wealth, social status, self image,
personal security.
The main functions of values are:
1. Values play an important role in the integration
and fulfillment of man’s basic impulses and
desires in a stable and consistent manner
appropriate for his living.
2. They are generic experiences in social action
made up of both individual and social
responses and attitudes.
3. They build up societies, integrate social relations
The main functions of values are:
4. They mould the ideal dimensions of personality
and range and depth of culture.
5. They influence peoples’ behaviour and serve as
criteria for evaluating the actions of others.
6. They have a great role to play in the conduct of
social life.
7. They help in creating norms to guide day-to-day
behaviour.
ETHICS : MEANING AND DEFINITION
• The term ethics is derived from the Greek word
ethos which can mean customs, habits,
character or dispositions.
• At its simplest, ethics is a system of moral
principles. They affect how people make
decisions and lead their lives.
Reasons for studying Ethics
• to know the people's beliefs, values, and morals,
• learn the good and bad,
• Practice them to maximize well-being and
happiness,
Three major areas of study within ethics
1. Meta-ethics, concerning the theoretical
meaning and reference of moral propositions,
and how their truth values (if any) can be
determined.
Three major areas of study within ethics
2. Normative ethics, concerning the practical
means of determining a moral course of
action.
Three major areas of study within ethics
3. Applied ethics, concerning what a person is
obligated (or permitted) to do in a specific
situation or a particular domain of action.
Sources of ethics
1) Genetic Inheritance
2) Religion
3) Philosophical system
4) Code of conduct
5) The legal system
6) Cultural experience
• Morals are the welfare principles enunciated
by the wise people, based on their experience
and wisdom.
• They were changed or modified to suit the
geography of the region, and in accordance
with the development of knowledge in science
and technology and with time.
Morality is concerned with principles and
practices of morals such as:
(a) What ought or ought not to be done in a given
situation?
(b) What is right or wrong about the handling of a
situation?
(c) What is good or bad about the people, policies,
and ideals involved?
Difference between Morality and Ethics
• Morality
1. More general
prescriptive based on
customs and traditions.
2. More concerned with
the results of wrong
action, when done.
• Ethics
1. Specific and
descriptive. It is a
critical reflection on
morals
2. More concerned with
the results of right
action, when not
done.
Difference between Morality and Ethics
• Morality
3.Thrust is on judgment and
punishment, in the name
of God or by laws.
4. In case of conflict between
the two, Morality is given
top priority, because the
damage is more. It is more
common and basic
• Ethics
3. Thrust is on influence,
education, training
through codes,
guidelines, and
correction.
4. Less serious, hence 2nd
priority only. Less
common. But relevant
today, because of
complex interactions in
the modern society
Business Ethics
MEANING AND DEFINITION
• A truly successful business can be built up only
if the objective of service to community is
constantly kept in view. Then, profit will come
automatically.
• Therefore, business ethics has a great
importance to business.
• Business ethics refers to the moral principles
which are considered right by the society, and
so; should govern and guide the activities of a
business.
• They are the moral principles and rules of
conduct which should guide the activities of a
business.
APPLICATION OF ETHICS TO BUSINESS
• The Council for Fair Business Practices (CFBP)
established in 1966, by the leading private
sector industrialists in western India, has given
some ethical principles applicable to
business :
1. To charge only fair and reasonable price and take
every possible step to ensure that the prices to
be charged to the consumer are brought to his
notice.
2. To take every possible step to ensure that the
agents or dealers do not charge prices higher
than fixed.
3. In times of scarcity, not to withhold or suppress
stocks of goods with a view to earn profit.
4. Not to produce or trade in spurious goods of
standards lower than specified.
5. Not to adulterate goods supplied.
6. Not to publish misleading advertisements.
7. To invoice goods exported or imported at
their correct prices.
8. To maintain accuracy in weights and measures
of goods offered for sale.
9. Not to deal knowingly in smuggled goods.
10. Providing after-sales service where
necessary or possible.
11. Honoring the fundamental rights of the
consumers like, Right of safety, Right to
choose, Right to information and Right to be
heard.
12. Discharging social responsibilities and the
responsibility to protect the environment and
nature's infrastructure.
• 13. Ensuring that the product warranty is
offered in simple, unambiguous and concise
language, highlighting the rights of consumer
under it.
SALES AND MARKETING
• Ethics in marketing deals with the principles,
values and/or ideals by which marketers (and
marketing institutions) should act.
• Ethical marketing issues include:
• Marketing redundant (outdated) or
dangerous products/services.
• Pricing practices such as price fixing and legal
actions including price discrimination and
price skimming.
• Transparency about environmental risks.
• Transparency about product ingredients such
as genetically modified products.
• Objectionable advertising such as attack ads,
mind influencing messages, marketing in
schools etc.
• Possible health risks, financial risks, security
risks, etc.
• Respect for consumer privacy and autonomy.

Human Values and Ethics

  • 1.
    Human Values &Ethics -An Introduction Jayanta Kr. Dutta Asst. Prof. Department of Extn. Edn. College of Agriculture, AAU, Jorhat, Assam
  • 2.
    VALUE means ‘tobe of worth’ OR The amount of money that something is worth.
  • 3.
    ⚫Human values areclosely related with human life. ⚫ No human life is possible without values. Human Values are those universal concepts, drivers of action which are found in all cultures, all societies, all times and in all places where human beings barely exist their lives.
  • 4.
    MEANING AND DEFINITIONOF HUMAN VALUES • Human values are the virtues that guide us to consider the human element when one interacts with other human beings. • They are our strong positive feelings for the human essence of the other.
  • 5.
    • A VALUEis defined as a principle that promotes well-being or prevents harm. • Values are generally regarded as the moral standards of human behaviors in the society.
  • 6.
    Some examples ofHuman values are : • Brotherhood, friendship, empathy, compassion, love. • Openness, listening, welcoming, acceptance, recognition, appreciation. • Honesty, fairness, loyalty, solidarity. • Civility, respect, consideration.
  • 7.
    Evolution of HumanValues 1)The emotions developed or modified by one’s own awareness, choice, and judgment in fulfilling the needs. 2)The teachings and practice of Preceptors (Gurus) of Religious Leaders
  • 8.
    Evolution of HumanValues 3) Fostered or modified by social leaders, rulers of kingdom and by Law (Government)
  • 9.
    TYPES OF VALUES ⚫Thefive human values, which can be found in all cultures, all societies and in all religions, are 1. Truth (sathya) 2. Right Conduct (dharma) 3. Love (prema) 4. Peace (shanti) 5. Non- Violence (ahimsa)
  • 10.
    TYPES OF HUMANVALUES AND THEIR SUB VALUES Truth Right Conduct Love Peace Non- Violence Truthfulness Manners Kindness Patience Consideration Creativity Health awareness Friendship Concentration Cooperation Honesty Helpfulness Forgiveness Positiveness Loyalty Determination Responsibility Generosity Self Acceptance Justice Fairness Independence Compassion Self Discipline Respect Trust Perseverance Tolerance Thankfulness Active Citizenship Reflection Courage Service Contentment
  • 11.
    • Values maybe broadly categorized into two – (i) Intrinsic value and (ii) Extrinsic value.
  • 12.
    • Intrinsic valuesare those values which are inherently rewarding • Example: Creativity, social justice and connection with nature
  • 13.
    • Extrinsic valuesare centered on external approval or rewards. • Example: Wealth, social status, self image, personal security.
  • 14.
    The main functionsof values are: 1. Values play an important role in the integration and fulfillment of man’s basic impulses and desires in a stable and consistent manner appropriate for his living. 2. They are generic experiences in social action made up of both individual and social responses and attitudes. 3. They build up societies, integrate social relations
  • 15.
    The main functionsof values are: 4. They mould the ideal dimensions of personality and range and depth of culture. 5. They influence peoples’ behaviour and serve as criteria for evaluating the actions of others. 6. They have a great role to play in the conduct of social life. 7. They help in creating norms to guide day-to-day behaviour.
  • 16.
    ETHICS : MEANINGAND DEFINITION • The term ethics is derived from the Greek word ethos which can mean customs, habits, character or dispositions. • At its simplest, ethics is a system of moral principles. They affect how people make decisions and lead their lives.
  • 17.
    Reasons for studyingEthics • to know the people's beliefs, values, and morals, • learn the good and bad, • Practice them to maximize well-being and happiness,
  • 18.
    Three major areasof study within ethics 1. Meta-ethics, concerning the theoretical meaning and reference of moral propositions, and how their truth values (if any) can be determined.
  • 19.
    Three major areasof study within ethics 2. Normative ethics, concerning the practical means of determining a moral course of action.
  • 20.
    Three major areasof study within ethics 3. Applied ethics, concerning what a person is obligated (or permitted) to do in a specific situation or a particular domain of action.
  • 21.
    Sources of ethics 1)Genetic Inheritance 2) Religion 3) Philosophical system 4) Code of conduct 5) The legal system 6) Cultural experience
  • 22.
    • Morals arethe welfare principles enunciated by the wise people, based on their experience and wisdom. • They were changed or modified to suit the geography of the region, and in accordance with the development of knowledge in science and technology and with time.
  • 23.
    Morality is concernedwith principles and practices of morals such as: (a) What ought or ought not to be done in a given situation? (b) What is right or wrong about the handling of a situation? (c) What is good or bad about the people, policies, and ideals involved?
  • 24.
    Difference between Moralityand Ethics • Morality 1. More general prescriptive based on customs and traditions. 2. More concerned with the results of wrong action, when done. • Ethics 1. Specific and descriptive. It is a critical reflection on morals 2. More concerned with the results of right action, when not done.
  • 25.
    Difference between Moralityand Ethics • Morality 3.Thrust is on judgment and punishment, in the name of God or by laws. 4. In case of conflict between the two, Morality is given top priority, because the damage is more. It is more common and basic • Ethics 3. Thrust is on influence, education, training through codes, guidelines, and correction. 4. Less serious, hence 2nd priority only. Less common. But relevant today, because of complex interactions in the modern society
  • 26.
  • 27.
    MEANING AND DEFINITION •A truly successful business can be built up only if the objective of service to community is constantly kept in view. Then, profit will come automatically. • Therefore, business ethics has a great importance to business.
  • 28.
    • Business ethicsrefers to the moral principles which are considered right by the society, and so; should govern and guide the activities of a business. • They are the moral principles and rules of conduct which should guide the activities of a business.
  • 29.
    APPLICATION OF ETHICSTO BUSINESS • The Council for Fair Business Practices (CFBP) established in 1966, by the leading private sector industrialists in western India, has given some ethical principles applicable to business :
  • 30.
    1. To chargeonly fair and reasonable price and take every possible step to ensure that the prices to be charged to the consumer are brought to his notice. 2. To take every possible step to ensure that the agents or dealers do not charge prices higher than fixed. 3. In times of scarcity, not to withhold or suppress stocks of goods with a view to earn profit.
  • 31.
    4. Not toproduce or trade in spurious goods of standards lower than specified. 5. Not to adulterate goods supplied. 6. Not to publish misleading advertisements. 7. To invoice goods exported or imported at their correct prices.
  • 32.
    8. To maintainaccuracy in weights and measures of goods offered for sale. 9. Not to deal knowingly in smuggled goods. 10. Providing after-sales service where necessary or possible.
  • 33.
    11. Honoring thefundamental rights of the consumers like, Right of safety, Right to choose, Right to information and Right to be heard. 12. Discharging social responsibilities and the responsibility to protect the environment and nature's infrastructure.
  • 34.
    • 13. Ensuringthat the product warranty is offered in simple, unambiguous and concise language, highlighting the rights of consumer under it.
  • 35.
    SALES AND MARKETING •Ethics in marketing deals with the principles, values and/or ideals by which marketers (and marketing institutions) should act. • Ethical marketing issues include:
  • 36.
    • Marketing redundant(outdated) or dangerous products/services. • Pricing practices such as price fixing and legal actions including price discrimination and price skimming. • Transparency about environmental risks.
  • 37.
    • Transparency aboutproduct ingredients such as genetically modified products. • Objectionable advertising such as attack ads, mind influencing messages, marketing in schools etc.
  • 38.
    • Possible healthrisks, financial risks, security risks, etc. • Respect for consumer privacy and autonomy.