Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Briefly discuss the concept of solidarity in Introduction.
• Discuss the importance of solidarity in the evolution of ethics.
• Discuss the negative aspects of solidarity.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Solidarity is a value which enables individuals in society to live with equality, dignity and ensure larger unity. This value is imperative for the evolution of ethics in a rapidly changing world.
Having a sense of solidarity with humans improves ethical decisions by imbibing values like empathy, tolerance and compassion.

Body
Importance of Solidarity

• Solidarity forms the basis of the evolution of ethics in society as:
  • Ethics is a group concept: Presence of a sense of solidarity is needed to form a societal group which is a basic requirement for ethics to exist.
  • Formation of ethical values: The formation of the value system of the society is due to the contribution by members of society.
  • Changing ethical values: Act of disobedience with the prevalent values can lead to change in such values as done by socio-religious reform movements in the 19th century.
  • Enforcing ethical conduct: A person resists to violate the ethical values due to the fear of getting expelled from society. This fear arises due to the fact that humans feel a sense of bond with others.
  • Accountability and responsibility: Solidarity in human beings leads to their sensitization towards others. Such changes make them more and more accountable and responsible for their actions. Accountability and responsibility, when coming from inside of an individual, can transform the face of the society.
• The negative aspect of solidarity:
  • Immorality: An individual who is united with others for selfish monetary gain would in no way contribute to ethical evolution which requires the benefit of all.
    • Ethics evolve when people actively contribute to society, not merely by showing a sense of being united.

Conclusion

• Evolution of ethics, therefore, starts with a feeling of solidarity towards each other and then individual ethics transforms into ethics of the society and eventually of the nation.
• An ethical nation is stronger because every citizen is aware of his/her actions and its consequences. As Swami Vivekananda has said -"If faith in ourselves had been more extensively taught and practised, I am sure a very large portion of the evils and miseries that we would have vanished."