"Rights are certain advantageous conditions of social well-being indispensable to the true development of the citizen." In the light of this statement, which one of the following is the correct understanding of rights?
- (a) Rights aim at individual good only.
- (b) Rights aim at social good only.
- (c) Rights aim at both individual and social good. ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Rights aim at individual good devoid of social well-being.
Why the answer is (c)
• The statement explicitly defines rights as 'advantageous conditions of social well-being,' directly linking them to the collective benefit of society.
• It further states that these conditions are 'indispensable to the true development of the citizen,' which highlights the necessity of rights for individual growth and welfare.
• By connecting social well-being with the development of the citizen, the quote establishes an inseparable link between the collective good and the individual good.
• Therefore, rights serve a dual purpose: they are essential for the individual's development while simultaneously being conditions that ensure social well-being.
• This dual nature confirms that rights aim at both individual and social good, making option (c) the correct interpretation.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Rights aim at individual good only.
- This option is incorrect because the statement explicitly identifies rights as conditions of 'social well-being,' not just individual good.
- (b) Rights aim at social good only.
- This option is incorrect because the statement emphasizes that rights are indispensable for the 'true development of the citizen,' indicating an individual benefit.
- (d) Rights aim at individual good devoid of social well-being.
- This option is incorrect because the statement defines rights as conditions of 'social well-being,' meaning they are inherently connected to, not devoid of, social welfare.
Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.