TODAY -

Ethics and Development

Dr L Krishnamangol Singh *



There is a view that the "mainline economics" basically neglected ethics or ethical considerations in human behaviour. This is because Economics is a separate subject and the individual or the behaviour of individual seeks to maximize utility function.

Likewise, the producer also tries to maximise profits from investment in production. Thus, "self-interest therory" is rooted in the origin of scientific economics developed by Adam Smith who, in his Wealth of Nations, explained that self-interest of human behaviour guided the individuals or the economic system.

Thus, Smith believed in the laissez-faire economic system or market economy in which there will be non-intervention of the government. In fact, according to Smith non-intervention of the government in the functioning of the economy encouraged the private individuals or enterpreneurs, who involved in lebel playing field (competed away with each other) and tried to maintain efficiency in the economy. What Smith believed is that while every individual tries to maximise self-interest without intervention of the government, there will be efficiency in the working of the economy.

Again, in the mainline economic theory, a consumer or an individual tries to act rationally in order to maximise utility function Likewise, the theories of production which received fair treatment in the process of production also explained how a producer tries to maximise profits. Thus, in a perfectly competitive market (where there are a large number of buyers and sellers), a firm or a producer (seller) is a price taker (given the price). He acted rationally because he will be loosers if he either increases or decreases the price.

Thus, the mainline economists believed that the consumer or the producer acted in a rational manner in the allocation of resources. The Walrasian economics also seeks to explain the attaiment of general equilibrium (a best or efficient economic system) in the economy without serious treatment on ethical questions. Thus, Amartya Sen (also used as Sen in short form) has pointed out that the mainline economics or standard economic theory did not pay attention to ethics or etihical considerations in the eocnomics science.

However, in welfare economics, the ethical factors or considerations are moderately included in promoting social welfare function. Therefore, Sen laid emphasis on ehtical values or morality of individuals/persons in the study of economics science. It is in the context that the present article seeks to examine/explore the relationship between ethics and economics (i.e. ethics and development).

According to Sen, the ethics-related tradition of the subject, economics goes back at least to Aristotle. In fact, Aristotle related economics to ethics, and it sought to promote the "common promotion of a good quality life" And his economic writings were blended with economics, politics and ethics. Aristotle also contributed to the constituion of ideal state. However, he was against the communist elements of Plato's ideal state. He also believed in the existence of the state for the whole system of the society.

It was also his philosophy on the ideal state that if the whole body is destroyed, there would be no foot or hand. Therefore, the state is prior to the family or to the individual. In fact, the state is above the man and it is for the welfare of the people or the welfare of all citizens. Thus, according to Aristotle, no individual can destroy the state. In fact, the state arises out of the necessity of the man or people.

Thus, Aristotle related economics to the ethics of the people (i.e for the promotion of good life of the people), However, the greatest weakness of Aristotle is that he failed to abolish the institution of slavery in developing his theory of ideal state, particularly in the Greek Society. Later, Karl Marx discovered the institution of slavery as the system of exploitation in the society, which is well known.

In fact, in spite of the limitations of his theory of ideal state due to the circumstances that prevailed in the Greek society during his times (which Marx also accepted although he wanted to abolish it), Aristotle focused his attention on mankind (i.e for the welfare of the people), and he believed that the state comes for the good of society. He also believed that the state is formed to make (human) life possible. He also believed that the citizens were essential for promoting the highest good of the whole society.

Thus, according to Aristotle, there is close relation between the state and the citizens, and the former is for the good of the latter Thus, the theory of state developed by Aristotle explains the need for transformation of the people (the man) into the good life of the people or the citizens, and also for meeting the their economic and social needs. In fact, the theory of deveopment of state is very vast, and it also falls within the domain of political science or science of politics.

However, Aristotle blended economics or his economic writings with politics and ethics. It is also generally believed that Aristotle laid the foundation of economics, and that he had made distinct contributions in the field of various economic ideas including the management of the family or household and the role of state in promoting the welfare of all the citizens of the society. In his ideal state, he also emphasised the role of the state in promoting the principles of good life of all the citizens.

Thus, in his writings, he linked economics, politics and ethics. In fact, Aristotle believed in the existence of the state for the whole system of the society. Therefore, according to Aristotle, the political role of the state needs to focus on promoting economic and ethical values within the whole society or polity. In fact, his ideal state is for an ideal society.

In short, in his ideal state, Aristotle emphasised the needs for existence of state in order to meet the economic and social needs of the citizens and promote the good life of the people. Thus he linked economics with ethics or ethical considerations in order to promote the principles of good life of the people or the citizens in the society and economy.

Although, there were many thinkers on economic thoughts or issues in different parts of the world prior to Aristotle, it is believed that he laid the analytical and fundamental ideas of economics before the birth of the classical political economy or economics science. Thus, according to Sen, there are two origins of economics : one related to politics and ethics and another related to engineering approach. As Sen has pointed out, the ethics related tradition of economics goes back at least to Aristotle.

In examining his book, Ethics and Economics, it is also found that economics related ultimatley to the study of ethics and that of politics and this point of view is further developed in Aristotle's Politics (Amartya Sen 1987, P.3) And Sen further pointed out, " He (Aristotle) sees politics as the master of art. Politics must use the rest of the sciences including economics" And Sen also further pointed out that it (politics) legislates as to what we are to do and what were are to abstain from and that the end of this science must include those of the others so that this end must be the good for many.

Thus economics, which seeks to promote the society and economy or the welfare of the people (i.e welfare of all the citizens) relates to poltics and ethics. And, Smith had scientifically developed economics in his book, An inquiry into the Nature and causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776) and emphasised on the policy of providing economic freedom for every individual, which need not be hampered in any manner by state action (i.e the government action).

Smith based his analysis on self-interest theory for promoting the well-being and welfare of the whole society in the process of development. Smith's self -interest theory is developed on the basis of a set of rules of rights or justice and morality. Thus Smith also practically linked economics to ethics as his theory of economic developement assumed natural justice and morality.

However, as the two subjects are different, he laid emphasis on maximising the aggregate wealth or economic development of the nations on the basis of enlightened self-interest of the individuals. Thus, ethical considerations, need to be reasonally included in the study of modern economics or modern economic development though they are not treated sepeartely. And, many of the ethical questions are covered in the study of modern economics.

As Sen further pointed out, "The study of economics, though related immediately to the pursuit of wealth, is at a deeper level linked up with other studies, involving the assessment and enhancement of more basic goods". "(Amartya Sen, 1987, P.3). Thus, the study of economics can now be integrated with ethical values and considerations in different areas or fields of the subject.

We may now touch on enginnering approach to economics. Sen used the concept of "engineering" approach to economics and analysed the second aspect of the origin of economics. In fact, in the Indian context, Sen pointed out that the origin of economics dates back to the first book ever written with anything like the title economics namely, Kautilya's Arthasastra, which was translated from Sanskrit (Sen, 1987 : 5).

He further pointed out that Kautilya wrote the book, Arthasartra in the fourth century BC, and that it broadly deals with the four fields of knowledge including 1.) metaphysics (philosophy dealing with the nature of existence, truth and knowledge (i.e a philosophyical doctrine on the supersensible principles of being/existence or abstract theory of existence etc). 2. knowledge of "the right and the wrong" but it settles down to discussing more practical types of knowledge dealing with 3) the science of government and 4) the science of wealth.

Thus Sen reveals that, in the ancient document of early economics such as Arthasastra, there were practical discussions on statecraft, including the practical problems from building of villages, land classification etc. to diplomatic manoeuvres, strategy for vulnerable states, pact of colonization, influencing parties in an enemy state etc. He further pointed out that the attention of this ancient early document of economics is very firmly on engineering problems.

There were also many economists (e.g. Leon Walras) who worked on the engineering approach to economics And, modern economists have also analysed the logistic and engineering problems within economics. In fact, logistic economics needs to address a wide range of practical problems of development with ethics It also needs to narrow down the distance between ethics and economics.

Thus, it is high time to think of a paradigm shift in economic policies with the conceptual changes in the field of the two aspects of economics i.e. i) the ethics related economics and ii) engineering-based economics in order to address the logistic development issues happening inside and outside economics.


* Dr L Krishnamangol Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on July 26 , 2018.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • Yaingakpa, Renglien, Thariktha : eMing
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • From Earth Day to World Environment Day
  • COVID-19: Update 13 June 2025 : Manipur
  • JJM brings clean drinking water to CCpur
  • M.Tech CSE Admission at Assam University
  • Save your nails from damage this summer
  • No takers for Moreh cops' distress call
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Implement Hill Areas (Chief Rights) Act 1967
  • Manipur fields shape India sport future
  • How to Speak Soft and Still Win
  • Thokchom Khoiba : mosquito killer machine
  • Looking for wealthy groom, question you too
  • When is the net ban going to be lifted
  • Stir speculations nix school reopening plan
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Fire safety: preventive measures
  • Peculiar plants & incidents unique to Manipur
  • Artificial Intelligence & environment
  • Cutting off the nose to spite the face
  • Relief for daily wagers as shutdown called off
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • The question of territorial integrity of Manipur
  • Animal Farm's allegory in dynamics of Manipur
  • Their hands deserve books, not burdens
  • JNV empowers Tamenglong students
  • We can do better- people with HIV live healthy
  • Bandh: The Cry Beneath the Silence :: Poem
  • Cutting short 240 hours general strike
  • Shutdown lifted, curfew eased, mobile ban
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Review of 'Rain Stopping in Manipur'
  • Highway blockades trigger soaring prices
  • Voice of the Masses :: Poem
  • Congress may claim if none
  • Learning new skills related to AI
  • Delhi, Raj Bhavan: Losing the plot ?
  • CBI arrest after Governor clemency assurance
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • Appeals Home Minister not to renew SoO
  • Self-defence :: Poem
  • When will humans learn nature's lessons ?
  • Forgotten voices of drug users in Manipur
  • High-yielding RC Manichakhao-1
  • PC Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • TSE Editorial Blank Space : June 09 2025
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Micromanager vs Leader
  • Valedictory Function of NE NSS Festival
  • WED at various campuses in Manipur
  • World Environment Day 2025
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • Sarangthem Nirupama at Miss Universe India
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025