{"id":47724,"date":"2025-04-22T07:34:31","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T07:34:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=47724"},"modified":"2025-04-22T07:34:33","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T07:34:33","slug":"upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Essay PYQ 2018: Customary morality cannot be a guide to modern life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Explore insights on &#8220;Customary Morality Cannot Be a Guide to Modern Life&#8221; \u2013 UPSC Essay PYQ 2018 with examples, analysis &amp; relevance in today&#8217;s world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d4d4641d2de\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d4d4641d2de\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/#Essay_Key\" title=\"Essay Key\">Essay Key<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/#Key_Arguments\" title=\"Key Arguments\">Key Arguments<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/#1_Evolving_Societal_Values\" title=\"1. Evolving Societal Values\">1. Evolving Societal Values<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/#2_Cultural_Relativism_and_Moral_Diversity\" title=\"2. Cultural Relativism and Moral Diversity\">2. Cultural Relativism and Moral Diversity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/#3_Need_for_Ethical_Adaptability\" title=\"3. Need for Ethical Adaptability\">3. Need for Ethical Adaptability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/#4_Emphasis_on_Personal_Autonomy_and_Rights\" title=\"4. Emphasis on Personal Autonomy and Rights\">4. Emphasis on Personal Autonomy and Rights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/#5_Influence_of_Science_and_Rational_Thinking\" title=\"5. Influence of Science and Rational Thinking\">5. Influence of Science and Rational Thinking<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/#Case_StudiesExamples\" title=\"Case Studies\/Examples\">Case Studies\/Examples<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/#Additional_Tips\" title=\"Additional Tips\">Additional Tips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-essay-pyq-2018-customary-morality-cannot-be-a-guide-to-modern-life\/#Join_our_Essay_Course_%E2%80%93_Click_Here\" title=\"Join our Essay Course &#8211; Click Here\">Join our Essay Course &#8211; Click Here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Essay_Key\"><\/span><strong>Essay Key<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Component<\/th><th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Essay Topic<\/strong><\/td><td>Customary Morality Cannot Be a Guide to Modern Life<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Paraphrase<\/strong><\/td><td>This essay explores the shortcomings of depending on traditional moral values to navigate modern-day societal challenges.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Intent of the Essay<\/strong><\/td><td>To evaluate and question the applicability of traditional moral values in solving today\u2019s complex ethical issue.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Keywords<\/strong><\/td><td>Customary Morality, Modern Life, Ethical Framework, Cultural Norms, Change<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Arguments\"><\/span><strong>Key Arguments<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Evolving_Societal_Values\"><\/span>1. Evolving Societal Values<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Social values are constantly changing due to globalization, technological growth, and cross-cultural interaction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sticking to outdated moral norms can obstruct progress and prevent society from addressing current realities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong> The widespread acceptance of human rights has often clashed with long-standing traditional practices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Cultural_Relativism_and_Moral_Diversity\"><\/span>2. Cultural Relativism and Moral Diversity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Moral beliefs differ across cultures; what is normal in one may be seen as unethical in another.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applying a single traditional moral standard risks excluding diverse viewpoints and limiting inclusivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong> Female genital mutilation, considered a tradition in some regions, is condemned in most parts of the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Need_for_Ethical_Adaptability\"><\/span>3. Need for Ethical Adaptability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Modern life presents morally complex situations that can\u2019t always be solved using rigid traditional codes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ethical decision-making often requires flexibility and context-based reasoning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong> The use of consequentialism, which evaluates the impact of actions rather than sticking to fixed rules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Emphasis_on_Personal_Autonomy_and_Rights\"><\/span>4. Emphasis on Personal Autonomy and Rights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Today\u2019s moral outlook gives importance to individual freedoms, sometimes clashing with collective customs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional norms may emphasize duties to the group over personal rights, leading to ethical tension.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong> Conflicts around freedom of speech versus cultural standards of respect and decency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Influence_of_Science_and_Rational_Thinking\"><\/span>5. Influence of Science and Rational Thinking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Scientific advances encourage a shift from belief-based morality to evidence-backed ethical reasoning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many traditional moral views lack scientific basis and struggle to stay relevant in modern debates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Example:<\/strong> Discussions on genetic engineering often rely more on scientific reasoning than age-old moral codes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_StudiesExamples\"><\/span><strong>Case Studies\/Examples<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Case Study<\/th><th>Key Insights<\/th><th>Relevance<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Women\u2019s Rights Movement<\/strong><\/td><td>Challenged traditional gender roles and advocated for equality.<\/td><td>Highlights the need for evolving moral standards to support justice and equality.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Debate on Same-Sex Marriage<\/strong><\/td><td>Cultural resistance based on customary beliefs faced legal reform advocating for equal rights.<\/td><td>Demonstrates conflict between customary morality and modern ethical standards focusing on rights.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Environmental Ethics<\/strong><\/td><td>Traditional practices may disregard ecological concerns; modern ethics emphasize sustainability and stewardship.<\/td><td>Shows the necessity of adapting moral beliefs to contemporary global challenges.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/bannner-1600-x-1600-2400-x-1392-px-1280-x-300-px-1024x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47463\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Additional_Tips\"><\/span><strong>Additional Tips<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Examine how thinkers like <strong>John Stuart Mill<\/strong> and <strong>Immanuel Kant<\/strong> have influenced modern ethical theories and moral reasoning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include <strong>data or survey findings<\/strong> that highlight how people today view traditional customs compared to modern ethical values.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider the <strong>consequences of dismissing traditional morality<\/strong> in societies made up of diverse cultures and beliefs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Analyze <strong>examples from different cultural backgrounds<\/strong> to show how moral values can evolve and adapt across various contexts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Join_our_Essay_Course_%E2%80%93_Click_Here\"><\/span><strong>Join our Essay Course &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-essay?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=website\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click Here<\/a><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore insights on &#8220;Customary Morality Cannot Be a Guide to Modern Life&#8221; \u2013 UPSC Essay PYQ 2018 with examples, analysis &#038; relevance in today&#8217;s world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":47769,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3777],"tags":[229,3698,3787],"class_list":["post-47724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-upsc-essay","tag-edukemy","tag-shabbir-sir","tag-upsc-essay-pyq-2018"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47724","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47724"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47724\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47770,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47724\/revisions\/47770"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47769"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47724"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47724"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}