Q. “The true rule, in determining to embrace or reject anything, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good… especially governmental policy… our best judgment of the preponderance between them is continually demanded.” – Abraham Lincoln (2018, 10 Marks)
Introduction
Abraham Lincoln highlights a pragmatic and ethical approach to decision-making—especially in governance. Policies are rarely perfect; they contain both benefits and drawbacks. Therefore, ethical governance requires assessing the balance of good over harm through sound judgement.
1. Governance Is About Trade-Offs
Policies involve balancing competing interests such as equity vs efficiency or development vs environment.
Example: Large dams like Sardar Sarovar provide irrigation and electricity (good) but displace communities (harm). Decision depends on whether long-term benefits outweigh adverse impacts.
2. No Policy Is Completely Good or Completely Harmful
Most government policies yield mixed outcomes as they affect diverse groups.
Example: GST created tax uniformity (good) but increased compliance burden initially (harm). Demonetisation targeted black money (good) but caused short-term economic disruption (harm).
3. Need for Evidence-Based Policy Judgement
Lincoln’s view emphasises careful analysis, data and stakeholder consultation.
Example: COVID-19 lockdowns saved lives (good) but impacted livelihoods (harm). Phased reopening balanced both concerns through data-driven decisions.
4. Ethics of Proportionality in Public Administration
Public servants must ensure that policy harms are proportionate to the larger public good delivered.
Example: Environmental regulations may inconvenience industries (harm) but protect long-term ecological stability (larger good). Higher traffic fines increased safety despite criticism.
5. Continuous Judgement Is Required
Policies must be reviewed because societal needs evolve.
Example: NEP 2020 restructured outdated education practices. MNREGA’s periodic changes are based on ground feedback for improved implementation.
Conclusion
Lincoln’s statement captures the essence of ethical decision-making in governance: policies should not be judged by isolated flaws but by the overall balance of good vs harm. Administrators must apply continuous evidence-based judgement to ensure policies advance public welfare and societal progress.