UPSC Mains Daily Answer Writing - 9 November (GS 4)


Questions

Q1. (a) What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ – not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (10)

(b) Differentiate moral intuition from moral reasoning with suitable examples. (10)


Model Solutions

Q1. (a) What really matters for success, character, happiness and lifelong achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ – not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer. (10)

Introduction

  • Emotional Quotient (EQ) is the level of a person's emotional intelligence
  • Emotional intelligence (EI) is an ability to perceive, assess and manage emotions of oneself and others.

Main Body
Reasons in agreement of the view:

  • Success: In Personal and professional life EQ is identified as an important factor. It plays a pivotal role in leadership, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution. For eg: Steve jobs, Narayan Murthy, Dr Kalam etc
  • Character: EQ promotes ethical values like integrity, honesty, compassion etc. This helps in building character. For eg: Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela
    • EQ can build a strong character in civil servant to proactively handle the situation for example- Iqbal Singh Chahal's responsiveness to COVID outbreak in mumbai
  • Happiness:
    • “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions” -Dalai Lama.
    • EQ builds positive attitude and helps in managing stress
  • Lifelong achievements: The quality of perseverance is required to achieve lifelong success. For eg: Michael Jordan, former professional basketball player

You can write 2-3 points on importance of IQ but purely IQ can not help in achieving everything that matter in life

Conclusion

  • Quote “Emotional intelligence, more than any other factor, more than I.Q. or expertise, accounts for 85% to 90% of success at work. I.Q is a threshold competence. You need it, but it doesn't make you a star. Emotional intelligence can.” - Warren G. Bennis
  • Generic balanced conclusion: Cognitive abilities measured by IQ tests are crucial but not the sole factors for success and happiness.

(b) Differentiate moral intuition from moral reasoning with suitable examples. (10)

Introduction

  • Moral intuition and moral reasoning are two important processes of decision making. Moral intuition is subjective and depends upon a person's ethical dispositions whereas moral reasoning involves detailed analysis.

Main Body
Differences

Moral intuition 
Moral reasoning 
Moral intuition refers to the immediate, gut-level judgments or reactions individuals have about what is morally right or wrong without engaging in conscious, deliberate reasoning. For eg- Mahatma Gandhi on his visit to Kalighat temple in Kolkata lamented animal sacrifice on the basis of his moral intuition.
Moral reasoning involves a conscious, deliberate cognitive process where individuals analyze, evaluate, and weigh various ethical principles and arguments before arriving at a moral judgment or decision.
It relies on quick, automatic, and emotionally-driven responses to moral dilemmas.  For eg: standing against wrongdoing in a society for eg: Molestation of woman on the street
It requires individuals to consider moral principles, ethical theories, and the consequences of their actions. 
For eg: Charity, donation etc
Shaped by one's upbringing, culture, and personal values
Moral reasoning often involves a step-by-step evaluation of moral dilemmas.
Moral intuitions tend to be swift and emotionally charged
Moral reasoning is slower, analytical, and logic-based
They may not always align with rational or logical analysis, and individuals may find it challenging to explain why they feel a certain way about a moral issue.
It involves a systematic examination of ethical principles and often leads to well-justified and defensible moral judgments.

Conclusion

  • Moral intuition is based on quick emotional responses, while moral reasoning involves a thoughtful analysis of ethical principles and consequences.
  • Each approach has its benefits and limitations and can be used based on the specific moral situation.

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