Ethics in Indian Perspective and its Relation to Western Ethical Thought

Saveta Sharma , Mansi Sharma

Indian ethics, dharma, karma, virtue ethics, deontology, utilitarianism

This paper explores the intricate relationship between classical Indian ethical frameworks and prominent Western ethical theories, aiming to identify areas of convergence, divergence, and potential for mutual enrichment. Specifically, it examines how foundational Indian philosophical concepts such as dharma, karma, and moksha (Bharadwaj et al., 2024) resonate with or diverge from Western notions of deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics (Bilimoria, 2021). This paper investigates the complex interplay between Indian and Western ethical paradigms, underscoring their points of convergence and divergence, while underscoring the distinctive contributions of Indian philosophy to moral philosophy at large. Western ethics typically prioritizes rationality, empiricism, and existentialism, whereas Indian philosophy, drawing from foundational scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads, centers on notions such as dharma, karma, and moksha (Bharadwaj et al., 2024). The analysis elucidates how Indian ethical systems, especially those delineated in the Dharma??stras, provide sophisticated insights into duty and virtue that enhance comparative philosophical inquiry (Mondal, 2024; Raimondi & Jain, 2024). Ethical reflection has profoundly influenced human behavior and societal cohesion throughout history. Distinct ethical systems emerged in Indian and Western contexts, shaped by their respective philosophical foundations and cultural milieus. Indian ethics arose within a spiritual-metaphysical framework, intertwining dharma, karma, ahi?s?, and moksha, wherein moral existence is inextricably linked to self-realization and personal metamorphosis. Western traditions, by contrast, evolved via rational deliberation, yielding virtue ethics, deontology, and utilitarianism--each furnishing methodical strategies for moral deliberation and social equity. This study conducts a comparative evaluation of these paradigms, delineating their affinities, disparities, and pertinence to modern issues. It contends that Indian ethics imparts contextual nuance, empathy, and ecological consciousness (Bharadwaj et al., 2024), while Western ethics affords analytical precision, universality, and institutional efficacy. A synergistic exchange between these traditions holds potential for crafting an equilibrated ethical model suited to contemporary dilemmas, including technological ethics, environmental stewardship, and global disparities.

Volume 14 Issue 2, February-2026

Pages : f613-f617