Ethics is a fundamental concept and a branch of philosophy that constitutes the systematic study of moral phenomena, concerned with what is morally good and bad, and right and wrong. The term is often used interchangeably with morality, which is a set of beliefs about how people ought to live. In the Indian philosophical tradition, the equivalent concept is Dharma, which is a multifaceted term encompassing duty, righteousness, and moral law.
The origin of Indian ethics is ancient, found in texts like the Vedas, where the concept of Ritam (righteousness) in the Rig Veda evolved into Dharma. This system developed through the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, addressing the problem of how one should live and what obligations people have. The core mechanism of Indian ethics is guided by Dharma and Karma, the moral law that governs actions and their consequences. This framework also incorporates the principle of anekantavada (many-sidedness), which suggests that Dharma is not an absolute truth but depends on the person, situation, and time.
Ethics connects directly to Law and Governance in modern India. In the legal profession, ethical standards are codified, such as the rules for advocates set by the Bar Council of India under the Advocates Act, 1961. In public administration, a Code of Ethics promotes principles like Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Transparency, and Impartiality to ensure fair governance. While the core concepts of Dharma and Karma have maintained continuity, the relationship between law and ethics has changed recently, with the Supreme Court addressing moral issues through judgments like the decriminalization of adultery and the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. Ethical governance today emphasizes values like Probity and Compassion to eliminate corruption and build public trust.