GE3791-HUMAN VALUES AND

ETHICS
GE3791-HUMAN VALUES AND ETHICS

Understanding Democratic values: Equality, Liberty, Fraternity,

Freedom, Justice, Pluralism, Tolerance, Respect for All, Freedom of
Expression, Citizen Participation in Governance – World
Democracies: French Revolution, American Independence, Indian
Freedom Movement.
Understanding Democratic values
•Democratic Values include a set of principles that form the basis of
democratic governance. They include concepts such as equality, freedom,
justice, and the protection of individual rights.
• In a democratic society, the citizen upholds the ultimate power in deciding
who will run the government.
•Democratic values thus ensure that the conscious choices of the public are
carried out through free and fair elections.
 What are Democratic Values?

Democratic values are the concepts that serve as the foundation for modern
society. It shows the democratic way of life of a society.
Democratic values also include everyone’s right to take part in decision-making
and have their voice heard.
The core values of democracy aim to ensure the well-being and representation
of all citizens, encouraging a system that reflects the collective will.
Types of Democratic Values

1. Equality
2. Liberty
3. Fraternity
4. Freedom
5. Justice
6. Pluralism
7. Tolerance
8. Respect for All
9. Freedom of Expression
10.Citizen Participation in governance
 Equality

In a democratic society, all citizens are considered equal before the law, irrespective of their
background, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.
Equal opportunities for education, employment, and participation in civic life are fundamental
democratic principles.
Equality means ensuring everyone in your setting has equal opportunities, regardless of their
abilities, their background or their lifestyle.
Three main examples of equality in a democracy are constitutionally guaranteed protection for
equality of treatment according to the law, equality in fundamental human rights, and equality of
citizenship.
 Liberty

Providing opportunities for the development of individual personalities.

Preamble secures the liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith & worship.
Liberty does not mean the license to do what one likes. Need to be enjoyed within the
limitations mentioned in the constitution.
Liberty is ensured in the preamble, and the fundamental Rights are not absolute but qualified.

POSITIVE LIBERTY
One can be free only in society and not outside it. Therefore, it is the possibility of acting or the
fact of acting in such a way as to take control of one’s life and realize one’s fundamental
purposes.
NEGATIVE LIBERTY
Concerned with the inviolable area of non-interference and not with the conditions in society,
i.e. absence of obstacles, barriers or constraints.
 Fraternity
A democratic system would function in a healthy manner only if there is a spirit of brotherhood,
of oneness, among the people of the land. India being a land of immense diversity is all the more
in need of this spirit of unity – the sense of belonging to one nation.
The principle of common citizenship is directed towards strengthening this sense of ‘unity and
integrity’ of the nation. Fraternity is also sought to be promoted by ensuring equal rights to all.
Fraternity, said DR. Ambedkar, “is the principle which gives unit and solidarity to social life”. It
is the feeling that will protect the unity of India against external attack or disintegration through
internal unrest born of social, political and economic causes.
Fraternity, however, is not possible unless the dignity of each individual is preserved and
respected. Maintaining this dignity requires the guarantee of certain minimal justiciable rights to
each individual.
 Freedom
This guarantees individual liberties and freedom of choice, expression, and association.
 Justice
This means the ability of a democracy to strive for fairness and equity in the distribution of
resources and opportunities.
Justice means giving each person what he or she deserves or, in more traditional terms, giving
each person his or her due. Justice and fairness are closely related terms that are often today used
interchangeably.
Economic justice implies that the gap between the rich and the poor is bridged, and the
exploitation ceases. Removal of poverty is to be achieved not by taking away assets from those
who have but by ensuring a more equitable distribution of national wealth ana1 resources among
those who contribute to its creation.
This the Directive Principles call upon the state to try and secure ownership and control over
resources to subserve the common good, reduce the concentration of wealth, ensure equal pay for
equal work, and see that people, especially women and children, are not abused or forced by
economic want into work unsuitable for their age or strength.
 Pluralism
Pluralism acknowledges and celebrates diversity in society. In a democratic setting, citizens
with different beliefs, cultures, and backgrounds coexist peacefully, celebrating and respecting
each other’s culture.
 involves having the courage to stand up for what you believe while also maintaining the
humility to learn from others and the empathy to engage respectfully with those whose views
differ from your own.
Religious pluralism is the idea that people of different religious groups live and interact together
for the common good. India is an example of a pluralistic society.
In India, religious communities do not blend and are identified as separate entities concerning
their own values and beliefs.
 Tolerance
Democracy may contribute to friendly attitudes and positive attitudes toward outgroups (i.e.,
outgroup tolerance) because members of democratic societies learn to exercise their rights (i.e.,
cast a vote) and, in the process, listen to different opinions.
Tolerance is being open and receptive to the beauty of differences. Tolerance is respecting and
appreciating the culture of others. Tolerance is mutual respect through mutual understanding.
Tolerance is a fundamental concept that promotes harmony, understanding, and respect in
diverse societies. It refers to accepting and valuing the differences in others, whether they be in
terms of culture, beliefs, opinions, or behaviors.
 Respect for all
Having respect is crucial for healthy relationships, whether they are personal or professional.
When we don't show respect to others, we shouldn't expect to receive it in return. And if we don't
respect ourselves, others won't respect us either. Respect also plays a big role in our sense of
security and well-being.
 Freedom of Expression
Your voice matters. You have the right to say what you think, share information and demand a
better world. You also have the right to agree or disagree with those in power, and to express
these opinions in peaceful protests.
Exercising these rights – without fear or unlawful interference – is central to living in an open
and fair society; one in which people can access justice and enjoy their human rights.
This freedom protects expression of our individual values, ideas and opinions and prevents the
government from stifling not just the spoken word, but any way we reach out to others.
 Citizen Participation in Governance
Citizen Participation is the active involvement of citizens in the legislative decision-making
process allowing them to contribute to decisions that may have an impact on their lives.
There are varying levels of participation as represented in the Citizen Participation Ladder.
While it is in the form of a ladder, it is important to note that some levels of participation may be
more effective than others at different stages of the legislative process, and that the objective of a
citizen participation strategy should not necessarily be to empower citizens in every situation.
Democratic societies encourage citizen participation in decision-making processes. Through
regular elections, referendums, and engagement in local governance, citizens have the
opportunity to shape policies and contribute to the development of their communities.