About the book

This textbook, designed for a foundation course in Human Values and Professional Ethics, is an outcome of the long-drawn search, visualization and experimentation by the authors and their colleagues to evolve an effective and universally acceptable content and methodology for introducing value education in the present curricula of technical and other professional institutions. Thus, it is in response to a long-felt and urgent need to integrate education in human values with professional skills. A unique methodology focusing on the right understanding of the human reality vis-à-vis rest of existence has been systematically presented. This involves the discovery of the inherent harmony and co-existence in entire existence forming the basis of universal Human Values and Facilitating transformation towards holistic perception and ‘Human consciousness’.

Starting with identification of basic human aspirations as happiness and prosperity in continuity, the discussion is focused on the appropriate programme to fulfil these enabling to live a fulfilling life. Understanding harmony at various levels starting from the human beings and spanning up to the whole existence forms the core contents of value education in this book. Finally, the important implications of ‘right understanding’ in life and profession are adequately elaborated.

Unlike the conventional treatment, the issues in professional ethics are analysed in the context of right understanding thereby enabling the resolution of various ethical dilemmas. The main focus is on the development of the ethical competence in the individual through right understanding. The book concludes by proposing salient steps to undertake the journey towards holistic and value-based living.

Content

Section I: Introduction to Value Education

1. Understanding Value Education
2. Self-exploration as the Process for Value Education
3. Basic Human Aspirations and their Fulfilment
4. Understanding Happiness and Prosperity- Their Continuity and Programme for Fulfilment

Section II: Understanding the Harmony at Various Levels

5. Understanding the Human Being as Co-existence of the Self and the Body
6. Harmony in the Self-Understanding Myself
7. Harmony of the Self with the Body-Understanding Self-regulation and Health
8. Harmony in the Family- Understanding the values in Human-Human Relationships
9. Harmony in the Society-Understanding Universal Human Order
10. Harmony in Nature-Understanding the Interconnectedness, Self-regulation and Mutual Fulfilment
11. Harmony in Existence-Understanding Co-existence at Various Levels

Section III. Implications of the Right Understanding

12. The Basis for Universal Human Values and Ethical Human Conduct
13. Professional Ethics in the Light of Right Understanding
14. Holistic Development towards Universal Human Order
15. Vision for Holistic Technologies, Production Systems and Management Models
16. Journey towards Universal Human Order-The Road Ahead

Appendices

Glossary

References