Aquinas - Vincible and Invincible Ignorance

Phronesis

A practical wisdom, particularly in relation to moral decisions.

Vincible Ignorance

A lack of knowledge for which a person is responsible.

Invincible Ignorance

A lack of knowledge for which a person is not responsible.

What does Aquinas believe about the possibility of conscience making mistakes?

Aquinas allows for the possibility that conscience can make mistakes due to ignorance.

How does Aquinas categorize the errors of conscience?

Aquinas categorizes them as vincible ignorance or invincible ignorance.

What is the distinction between vincible ignorance and invincible ignorance?

Vincible ignorance involves a lack of knowledge for which the person is responsible, while invincible ignorance involves a lack of knowledge for which the person is not responsible.

What is the role of conscience according to Aquinas?

Aquinas argues that conscience carries authority and we are obliged to follow it, even when it may be wrong.

How does J.H. Newman view conscience differently from Aquinas?

Newman views conscience as an immediate inner voice from God, rather than a product of our reasoning.

What feelings does Newman associate with disobeying conscience?

Newman associates feelings of guilt and shame with disobeying conscience.