Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Radhakrishnan’s appeal to intuition underlies his vision for an ethical Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism, a Hinduism free from ascetic excesses. The ethical potency of intuition affirms the validity of the world. “Asceticism,” Radhakrishnan emphasizes, “is an excess indulged in by those who exaggerate the transcendent aspect of reality.” Instead, the rational mystic “does not recognize any antithesis between the secular and the sacred. Nothing is to be rejected; everything is to be raised”.
Radhakrishnan’s ethical mystic does not simply see the inherent value of the world and engage in its affairs. Rather, the ethical individual is guided by an intuitive initiative to move the world forward creatively, challenging convention and established patterns of social interaction. For Radhakrishnan, this ethically integrated mode of being presents a positive challenge to moral dogmatism. The positive challenge to moral convention, according to Radhakrishnan, is the creative promotion of social Tolerance and accommodation. Just as Radhakrishnan’s Hinduism rejects absolute
claims to truth and the validity of external authority, so too has Hinduism “developed an Attitude of comprehensive charity instead of a fanatic faith in an inflexible creed”.
Radhakrishnan gave a spiritual interpretation to the modern theory of evolution. The Growth of human beings have led to their spiritual development. The human self is conscious of its limitations and purpose. He believed that the existence of the soul can be proved through our spiritual consciousness. However, the noble men are better able to listen to voice of this inner self. But, misuse of our rational faculties can lead to a deterioration of our spiritual self. This human spirit develops through love and worship. That is why, all the religions emphasize on the element of love and worship.
He believed that humans exist in the world for a higher cause. Hindu thought has laid a belief in the power of the human mind. It puts faith in the capability of human beings. The idealist tradition has always asserted the supremacy of the spirit in humans. This spirituality is essential to the dignity and identity of the man. It is the source of our values and principles. The values bind the individual in a harmonious relationship with the Society.
Radhakrishnan also believed that a training is necessary to direct our mental vision to the right objects. He carefully mentions that intuition should not be confused with anti-intellectualism. Intuition which ignores the intellect is useless. The two are deeply interlinked. Human nature changes in two ways: First, there are natural and mechanical changes which are inevitable. Second, there are ethical and spiritual changes which are linked to our conscience.
Morality enables a person to rise above to a higher level. His conception of religion transcends the religious dogmas. It is more of a universal religion, fulfilling the aspirations of humanity. Radhakrishnan’s philosophy is the philosophy of growth and progress of human’s spiritual Personality. Our total liberation is possible only when we are truly free.
Development of our moral nature can be ensured only by loving other fellow beings. One should control the ego. This is the foundation of all ethical process. A moral person follows his inner spirit, and not his external senses. Our destiny is to expand our humanity, and make it more spiritual and understanding. Matter, life and mind evolve only when their respective conditions are met.
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Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an Indian philosopher, statesman, and diplomat who served as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. He was a prolific writer and thinker, and his work has had a profound influence on Indian philosophy and culture.
Radhakrishnan’s ethical values were rooted in his belief in the essential unity of all life. He believed that all human beings are equal and that we should treat each other with love, compassion, and forgiveness. He also believed in the importance of non-violence, peace, and Justice.
Radhakrishnan’s ethical values were also influenced by his Hindu faith. He believed that all human beings are part of a larger spiritual reality, and that we should strive to live in harmony with this reality. He also believed that we should respect all living beings, and that we should take responsibility for the Environment.
Radhakrishnan’s ethical values were a source of inspiration for many people, both in India and around the world. His work continues to be relevant today, as we face the challenges of a globalized and interconnected world.
Here are some specific examples of how Radhakrishnan’s ethical values were reflected in his life and work:
- Truth: Radhakrishnan believed that truth is the highest value in life. He said, “Truth is the supreme value, and all other values are subordinate to it.” He also said, “The search for truth is the supreme adventure.”
- Non-violence: Radhakrishnan was a strong advocate of non-violence. He said, “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the atom bomb.” He also said, “The way of non-violence is the way of peace, the way of love, the way of brotherhood.”
- Love: Radhakrishnan believed that love is the most powerful force in the world. He said, “Love is the greatest force in the world. It is the most powerful solvent. It can melt the hardest heart.” He also said, “Love is the only force that can conquer hate.”
- Compassion: Radhakrishnan was a compassionate person who always felt for the suffering of others. He said, “Compassion is the highest form of religion.” He also said, “The greatest gift that we can give to others is our compassion.”
- Forgiveness: Radhakrishnan believed that forgiveness is essential for peace and reconciliation. He said, “Forgiveness is the key to peace. It is the only way to break the chain of hatred.” He also said, “Forgiveness is the highest form of love.”
- Self-control: Radhakrishnan believed that self-control is essential for a happy and fulfilling life. He said, “Self-control is the greatest power in the world. It is the power to control our thoughts, our words, and our actions.” He also said, “Self-control is the key to happiness.”
- Peace: Radhakrishnan was a peace activist who worked tirelessly to promote peace and understanding between people of different cultures and religions. He said, “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with conflict with creativity.” He also said, “Peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice, freedom, and Equality.”
- Justice: Radhakrishnan believed that justice is essential for a just and equitable society. He said, “Justice is the foundation of a good society. It is the foundation of peace and order.” He also said, “Justice is the foundation of Human Rights.”
- Freedom: Radhakrishnan believed that freedom is essential for a truly human life. He said, “Freedom is the birthright of every human being. It is the right to live our lives as we choose.” He also said, “Freedom is the right to think for ourselves, to speak our minds, and to worship as we please.”
- Equality: Radhakrishnan believed that all human beings are equal, regardless of race, religion, gender, or social status. He said, “All human beings are equal in the eyes of God. We are all children of the same divine parent.” He also said, “All human beings are equal in the eyes of the law.”
- Brotherhood: Radhakrishnan believed that all human beings are brothers and sisters, and that we should treat each other with love and respect. He said, “We are all members of the human family. We are all brothers and sisters.” He also said, “We should treat each other with love and respect, regardless of our differences.”
- Human dignity: Radhakrishnan believed that all human beings have inherent dignity and worth. He said, “Every human being has inherent dignity and worth. We should treat each other with respect and compassion.” He also said, “Every human being has the right to live a life of dignity and freedom.”
What is ethics?
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with morality and the principles of right and wrong. It is concerned with what is good and bad, and how we should live our lives.
What are the different types of ethics?
There are many different types of ethics, but some of the most common include:
- Deontological ethics: This type of ethics is based on the idea that there are certain actions that are always right or always wrong, regardless of the consequences.
- Consequentialist ethics: This type of ethics is based on the idea that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its consequences.
- Virtue ethics: This type of ethics is based on the idea that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by whether it leads to the development of good character.
What are some ethical principles?
Some common ethical principles include:
- Autonomy: The principle of autonomy holds that people have the right to make their own decisions, even if those decisions are not what others would want them to make.
- Beneficence: The principle of beneficence holds that we should act in ways that benefit others.
- Non-maleficence: The principle of non-maleficence holds that we should not harm others.
- Justice: The principle of justice holds that we should treat others fairly.
What are some ethical dilemmas?
An ethical dilemma is a situation in which there is no clear right or wrong answer. Some common ethical dilemmas include:
- The trolley problem: In this dilemma, you are faced with a choice between saving one person or five people. If you do nothing, the five people will die. If you pull a lever, you will save the five people, but one person will die.
- The doctor’s dilemma: In this dilemma, a doctor is faced with a choice between saving a patient’s life and violating the patient’s privacy. The patient has asked the doctor not to tell anyone about their condition, but the doctor knows that if they don’t tell someone, the patient will die.
What are some ethical theories?
Some common ethical theories include:
- Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is a theory that holds that the right action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
- Deontology: Deontology is a theory that holds that the right action is the one that is in accordance with duty or obligation.
- Virtue ethics: Virtue ethics is a theory that holds that the right action is the one that is in accordance with virtue.
What are some ethical codes?
Some common ethical codes include:
- The Hippocratic Oath: The Hippocratic Oath is a Code of ethics that is taken by doctors. It includes promises to do no harm, to respect the patient’s privacy, and to keep the patient’s best interests at heart.
- The Code of Ethics for Nurses: The Code of Ethics for Nurses is a code of ethics that is taken by nurses. It includes promises to provide care that is safe, competent, and compassionate, and to respect the patient’s rights.
- The Code of Ethics for Psychologists: The Code of Ethics for Psychologists is a code of ethics that is taken by psychologists. It includes promises to respect the patient’s rights, to protect the patient’s confidentiality, and to provide care that is competent and ethical.
What are some ethical issues in the workplace?
Some common ethical issues in the workplace include:
- Discrimination: Discrimination is the unfair treatment of people based on their race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics.
- Harassment: Harassment is unwanted behavior that is based on a person’s race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics.
- Bullying: Bullying is repeated behavior that is intended to intimidate or harm another person.
- Whistleblowing: Whistleblowing is the act of reporting wrongdoing within an organization.
What are some ethical issues in the environment?
Some common ethical issues in the environment include:
- Pollution: Pollution is the contamination of the environment with harmful substances.
- Climate change: Climate Change is the long-term change in the Earth’s climate.
- Deforestation: Deforestation is the clearing of forests for other uses.
- Overpopulation: Overpopulation is the condition in which a Population of organisms exceeds the carrying capacity of its environment.
What are some ethical issues in science and technology?
Some common ethical issues in science and technology include:
- Genetic engineering: Genetic engineering is the manipulation of genes.
- Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence is the ability of machines to think and act like humans.
- Cloning: Cloning is the process of creating an identical copy of an organism
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Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a:
(a) Philosopher
(b) Politician
(c) Both (a) and (b) -
Radhakrishnan was born in:
(a) Tiruchirappalli, India
(b) Chennai, India
(c) Madurai, India -
Radhakrishnan was the President of India from:
(a) 1962 to 1967
(b) 1967 to 1972
(c) 1972 to 1977 -
Radhakrishnan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in:
(a) 1930
(b) 1950
(c) 1975 -
Radhakrishnan’s most famous work is:
(a) The Hindu View of Life
(b) An Idealist View of Life
(c) Eastern Religions and Western Thought -
Radhakrishnan’s philosophy is based on the idea of:
(a) Brahman
(b) Atman
(c) Maya -
Radhakrishnan believed that the goal of life is:
(a) Moksha
(b) Nirvana
(c) Enlightenment -
Radhakrishnan’s philosophy has been influential in:
(a) India
(b) The West
(c) Both (a) and (b) -
Radhakrishnan was a strong advocate for:
(a) Religious tolerance
(b) Interfaith dialogue
(c) Both (a) and (b) -
Radhakrishnan’s work has been praised for its:
(a) Scholarship
(b) Insight
(c) Both (a) and (b)