Beliefs, Values, and Ethics

Abstract

Ethics has been a perennial human problem: the gap between action based on reality 慳s it is' and ideals 慳s it ought to be.' Sometimes, the gap has been more and sometimes less, It has also differed with cultural differences. Presently, all over the world, the problem is considered serious. Earlier, the balance was in favour of collective responsibility: more reliance on norms laid down by religion, laws, and codes of conduct. Now, the emphasis is shifting towards, individual responsibility: ethical choices, compromises, moral courage, transparency, accountability, and self-awareness. This demands education and understanding which is possible through exposure to selected masterpieces of literature and their creative interpretation. � 2001, � 2001 SAGE Publications.