Emotional Vs. Ethical Quotient

Many of us face tricky situations when we are expected to take sides, and cornered into a moral conflict, or dharma sankat. In most such situations, we tend to support the loved ones or the loyal ones, as the case may be. We may have done the square thing, guided by the emotional quotient of our hearts, but whether we have done justice according to the ethical code of conduct may remain a question that can be debated upon. 

People usually consider emotional, social, or economic 

Emotions can impede judgement by making one's response unethical or partial parameters while taking a stand. 

Truth takes a backseat while loyalty becomes the dominating factor.

Srimad Ramayana describes the art of applying discretion when faced with such a dilemma in life. Kumbhakarna and Vibheeshana were brothers of Ravana, and both were of the opinion that Ravana had committed a blunder in abducting Sita. They did not appreciate the fact that he kept her captive in the hope that she would yield to his desires someday. Kumbhakarna did not endorse the behavior of his brother.  All the same, he decided to support him and face Rama's arrows, no matter what the consequences, based solely on his fraternal loyalty. Vibheeshana, on the other hand, pleaded with Ravana and argued vehemently with him to give up Sita. When all his attempts were of no avail, and he was abused by Ravana as a traitor, he simply went over to Rama's camp and swore allegiance to him in the name of Truth. While this might appear heartless and inconsiderate to a logical mind, a little introspection will reveal that by standing for truth and dharma, he had no ulterior motive and was only concerned about the welfare of people at large in Lanka. The Mahabharata describes a similar dilemma of Karna. He was fully conscious of the nefarious intent of Duryodhana towards his cousins and his violation of moral code of conduct. Yet he chose to be led by his emotions and stood by his disreputable friend in the Kurukshetra war. On the other hand, the epic describes how Vikarna, the blood brother of the Kaurava prince, strongly objected to the unethical act of violating the honour of Draupadi in the open court. Yuyutsu, the half-brother of Duryodhana, chose to swear allegiance to the Pandavas as his conscience did not permit him to endorse the devious path of Duryodhana. 

It is important to carefully distinguish between the two virtues of loyalty and dharma in situations involving decision-making. Loyalty is certainly an important trait. One should never forget the favours and kindness received from another, however, it cannot be at the cost of Truth. There can be situations when loyalty can do more harm than good. A research study on this factor in group behaviour showed that loyalty can be a driver of good behaviour, but when competition among groups is high, it can lead us to behave unethically as winning at any cost becomes a priority. At such times ethical behaviour takes a back seat.  If a loved one is found swerving from the path of truth, it becomes obligatory to throw light on the issue at hand, and reiterate the basis of justice. If Truth prevails, well and good. If not, one certainly has the option to move away from the path of misplaced loyalty. Following the dharmic code of conduct will certainly have a positive ripple effect on our society at large.

Prof. S. Radha Prathi