the nature and role of conscience, including religious and secular views and the notion of moral duty;

What is conscience?

Conscience refers to an individual’s inner awareness of right and wrong, often considered a universal part of human moral experience.

What are the two primary roles of conscience?

Conscience operates in two primary ways: 1) as a legislative role that guides behavior before an action is taken, and 2) as a judicial role that reflects on actions after they occur, often producing feelings of guilt or remorse.

St. Augustine's view on conscience

Defined conscience as the voice of God within the soul, though he argued it is unreliable without the assistance of God’s grace due to human sinfulness.

St. Thomas Aquinas's perspective on conscience

He viewed conscience as human reason applied to moral decision-making, rejecting the idea that it is literally God’s voice. He believed all humans possess synderesis, a natural inclination to do good and avoid evil.

Kant's view on conscience

Kant viewed conscience as an innate 'internal judge' rooted in reason that informs us of our moral duty and is sensitive to universal moral laws.

The Problem of Fallibility regarding conscience

Philosophers like Elizabeth Anscombe warn that conscience is not inherently reliable, stating that 'a man's conscience may tell him to do the vilest things'.

Religious Duty according to Christian teachings

The primary moral duty is grounded in the Greatest Commandment: 'Love God and love your neighbour', emphasizing internal intention over external law-keeping.

Friedrich Nietzsche's critique of conscience

Critiqued conscience in Christian societies as merely self-punishment and 'slave morality' that prevents individuals from achieving their full potential.