Conscience

Conscience is a cognitive process that elicits emotion and rational associations based on an individual's moral philosophy or value system. Conscience stands in contrast to elicited emotion or thought due to associations based on immediate sensory perceptions and reflexive responses, as in sympathetic central nervous system responses.

Definition

The word conscience derives etymologically from the Latin conscientia, meaning "privity of knowledge"<ref>Oxford English Dictionary</ref> or "with-knowledge". The English word implies internal awareness of a moral standard in the mind concerning the quality of one's motives, as well as a consciousness of our own actions.

Development of Conscience

Conscience, as a human faculty, is developed over time within a social and cultural context. It is influenced by upbringing, education, and personal experiences that shape one's values and moral compass.

Role in Ethics and Morality

In the field of ethics, conscience is seen as a key factor in defining morality. It is the internal compass that guides individuals in distinguishing right from wrong and influences their actions accordingly.

Conscience in Religion

Many religious traditions hold varying views on the role of conscience, from being the divine voice of God in human affairs to a construct of human thought and culture.

See Also

• Ethics
• Morality
• Religion

References

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