Chapter ThreeChapter Three

Conscience: The self in search Conscience: The self in search of the goodof the good

Nikhil Farias, Jacky Tam, Steve Jensen

Revise, Review, Re-enterRevise, Review, Re-enter

• Chapter 1 explores the Chapter 1 explores the nature of seeking and nature of seeking and searching for “good” in order searching for “good” in order to engage in ethical decisions to engage in ethical decisions that accompany an that accompany an individual’s life.individual’s life.

• Chapter 2 explores human Chapter 2 explores human actions and the importance actions and the importance of being a of being a moral agentmoral agent::

Moral Agent: a person fully accountable for his/her actions, has the ability to initiate a course of events and makes decisions concerning themselves and others after reviewing the customs, teachings and values that shape their morality

Chapter ThreeChapter Three• Chapter 3 combines the elements of chapters 1 and 2. Chapter 3 combines the elements of chapters 1 and 2.

An individual goes through the process of becoming a An individual goes through the process of becoming a moral agent and thus can seek the “good” on a moral agent and thus can seek the “good” on a number of ethical issues.number of ethical issues.

• In order to solve specific ethical issues, an individual In order to solve specific ethical issues, an individual must realize the importance of being “human” and must realize the importance of being “human” and how this philosophical view is important in how this philosophical view is important in understanding ethics, making ethical decisions and understanding ethics, making ethical decisions and becoming moral agents.becoming moral agents.

• In order to understand the “human” and undertake the In order to understand the “human” and undertake the journey of becoming a moral agent, an individual must journey of becoming a moral agent, an individual must examine specific aspects of human life that shape examine specific aspects of human life that shape ethics and influence moral behaviour.ethics and influence moral behaviour.

Aspects of the “human” Role in developing a “moral agent”

A. The importance of others Although individuals are unique and singular with a capacity to act and be free, others are not enemies of one’s autonomy. The other makes it possible for one to become their “true selves” as individuals of freedom.

B. The importance of having direction in life

Based on commitments, moral stance and relations to others, you develop specific attitudes on certain ethical questions

C. The importance of communication and language

The language initially introduced to you as a child is the basis of moral decisions and shaping you as a person.

D. The importance of character and one’s body

You acquire certain “habits” that develop character as is used in making moral decisions as well as using judgement.

E. The importance of conscience Conscience develops as a means of accepting good and avoiding bad. It is developed through Capacity, Process and Judgement

F. The importance of the development of one’s conscience.

Conscience is developed from within, from others and one’s experiences.

All these aspects of the human affect the conscience of an individual, which as a result shapes the way they make moral decisions as moral agents.

A. The importance of A. The importance of othersothers

• Levinas in Chapter 1 makes the strongest argument suggesting that the Levinas in Chapter 1 makes the strongest argument suggesting that the “other” plays a central role to the human person and is relational.“other” plays a central role to the human person and is relational.

• All human actions are either “against someone” or “with someone”. All human actions are either “against someone” or “with someone”. Human actions and “others”. Human actions and “others”. Actions are motivated by others. Actions Actions are motivated by others. Actions involve others. They are done with others or against others. They affect involve others. They are done with others or against others. They affect othersothers

• The “other” is central for an individual’s search for good and is a powerful The “other” is central for an individual’s search for good and is a powerful incentive for what a person does and how they do it.incentive for what a person does and how they do it.

“Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4.9)

Can an individual be free and unique whist being responsible for

others? The story of Cain and Able presents the questions (1) “Are you responsible for your brother and sister?” (2) “Why should you care for the other”?

• Western society often fails to realize the importance of the “other”. Western society often fails to realize the importance of the “other”. Individuals of society often believe that other individuals acts as a Individuals of society often believe that other individuals acts as a barrier to one’s own freedom, plans and initiatives “If only they would barrier to one’s own freedom, plans and initiatives “If only they would see things my way, I could do what I really wanted to do”see things my way, I could do what I really wanted to do”

• Society prize the entrepreneur, solo mountain climber, discoverer, Society prize the entrepreneur, solo mountain climber, discoverer, rebellious teenage kid who becomes a rock star, the CEO of a large rebellious teenage kid who becomes a rock star, the CEO of a large corporation. These people represent corporation. These people represent autonomyautonomy, independent and , independent and freedom. They set their own limits, make their own decisions and are freedom. They set their own limits, make their own decisions and are not influenced by others.not influenced by others.

• People believe that relationships are “add-on’s” and that certain People believe that relationships are “add-on’s” and that certain individuals choose to “build bridges with other, although they believe individuals choose to “build bridges with other, although they believe that a human being can be free without another person”that a human being can be free without another person”

Human actions

and “others”

Actions are motivated by

others

Actions involve others

They are done with others or against others

They affect others

• VERDICT:VERDICT: Although Although individuals are individuals are unique and singular unique and singular with a capacity to with a capacity to act and be free, act and be free, others are not others are not enemies of one’s enemies of one’s autonomyautonomy. The other . The other makes it possible for makes it possible for one to become their one to become their “true selves” as “true selves” as individuals of individuals of freedom.freedom.

Jean-Paul Sartre’s existential believe

was centered on the role of others in

creating an “individuals hell”.

This commonly seen in his play “No

Exit”

Autonomy: an autonomous being is one that has the power of self-direction, possessing the ability to act as it decides independent of the will of others and of other internal or external factors.

Narcissism: I’m in love with myself•Based on a Greek man named Narcissus who rejected young women named Echo

who was very much in love with him.On a hunting journey, he travelled to a local well to seek a drink of water. On arrival at the well, he became so consumed with the reflection of his face in the water and his inability to capture/disrupt the reflection caused him to die of thirst at the well. This myth has set the basis of forming a healthy self-identity in which a balance is formed between self-love and love for others.

Psychiatry often classifies the term “narcissism” as a disorder involving self-absorption and the rejection of others.

A narcissist often engages in anger and rage against those who do not follow narcissism.

Psychiatry: Branch of medicine dealing with mental, emotional and behavioural disorders.

Narcissism: A disorder marked by self-absorption the exclusion of others. internal or external factors.

B. The Importance of B. The Importance of having direction in lifehaving direction in life

Role of Developing a “Moral Role of Developing a “Moral Agent”Agent”• Based on commitments, moral stance and Based on commitments, moral stance and

relations to others, you develop specific relations to others, you develop specific attitudes on certain ethical questionsattitudes on certain ethical questions..

• Being a moral agent requires you to know Being a moral agent requires you to know who you are and know where you standwho you are and know where you stand

• Moral stances and orientations form an Moral stances and orientations form an individual’s identity and thus a certain individual’s identity and thus a certain direction can be taken towards direction can be taken towards ethical/moral issues.ethical/moral issues.

• Forming a direction/moral stance and Forming a direction/moral stance and creating an identity is identified in 3 distinct creating an identity is identified in 3 distinct areas:areas:

Charles TaylorCharles Taylor• Taylor has been a philosophy professor at Taylor has been a philosophy professor at

McGill University in Montreal since 1961 McGill University in Montreal since 1961 and has wrote extensively on philosophical and has wrote extensively on philosophical topics such as the role of Quebec in topics such as the role of Quebec in Canadian society.Canadian society.

• Taylor is part of what is often called the Taylor is part of what is often called the “neo-Aristotelian revival”, a school of “neo-Aristotelian revival”, a school of thought that has arisen because of a thought that has arisen because of a perceived failure of ethical thought in perceived failure of ethical thought in today’s world.today’s world.

Rejecting NaturalismRejecting Naturalism• Taylor takes the approach of rejecting Taylor takes the approach of rejecting

naturalismnaturalism..• In taking on naturalism, Taylor perceives In taking on naturalism, Taylor perceives

himself as challenging one of the key himself as challenging one of the key sources of modern dissatisfaction of today’s sources of modern dissatisfaction of today’s world, a big part of which is the centering on world, a big part of which is the centering on the self, which flattens and narrows our the self, which flattens and narrows our lives, makes them less valuable, and more lives, makes them less valuable, and more selfish.selfish.

• Naturalism, according to Taylor, can also Naturalism, according to Taylor, can also lead to our dislocation from things that lead to our dislocation from things that make our lives valuable and meaningful.make our lives valuable and meaningful.

• One of the key characteristics Taylor encompasses, that One of the key characteristics Taylor encompasses, that illustrates his political philosophy is “that the age of illustrates his political philosophy is “that the age of modernity and post-modernity is a pluralistic age.”modernity and post-modernity is a pluralistic age.”

• Because of this characteristic, Taylor criticizes modern Because of this characteristic, Taylor criticizes modern philosophers whom he believes have failed to take it the philosophers whom he believes have failed to take it the above statement into account.above statement into account.

• In his paper, “Multiculturalism and the Politics of In his paper, “Multiculturalism and the Politics of Recognition”, Taylor argues that it is essential to human Recognition”, Taylor argues that it is essential to human identity that one’s community be recognized both identity that one’s community be recognized both politically and socially.politically and socially.

• In today’s society there are many groups with different In today’s society there are many groups with different ethnic, religious, or political backgrounds that exist. This ethnic, religious, or political backgrounds that exist. This causes many identity’s to be formed, and this is what causes many identity’s to be formed, and this is what Taylor is arguing. For the human identity to mean Taylor is arguing. For the human identity to mean anything, ones group must be recognized in a political and anything, ones group must be recognized in a political and social sense.social sense.

1. Commitment

s

2. Moral Stance

(Direction)

Relation to others (physical

stance)

Knowing where

you standKnowing who you

are

1. Commitments1. Commitments• Charles Taylor asserts that an individual’s Charles Taylor asserts that an individual’s

identity is determined by a moral orientation identity is determined by a moral orientation and this moral orientation reveals one’s and this moral orientation reveals one’s stance in life.stance in life.

• Moral orientation is defined by an Moral orientation is defined by an individual’s commitment to certain elements individual’s commitment to certain elements of his/her life e.g. a moral or spiritual of his/her life e.g. a moral or spiritual commitment such as being a Catholic or a commitment such as being a Catholic or a national or educational commitment such as national or educational commitment such as being a Canadian or a Holy Trinity student. being a Canadian or a Holy Trinity student.

• The elements acquired from these The elements acquired from these commitments enable an individual to make commitments enable an individual to make moral decisions which become reflective of moral decisions which become reflective of their own identity.their own identity.

• Commitment to certain groups such as a Commitment to certain groups such as a Catholic, Canadian or HT student provides Catholic, Canadian or HT student provides two main aspects:two main aspects:

• (1) A framework to determine what is (1) A framework to determine what is good/meaningful or what is bad/trivialgood/meaningful or what is bad/trivial

• (2) Avoid the “identity-crisis” in which an (2) Avoid the “identity-crisis” in which an individual often lacks disorientation; not individual often lacks disorientation; not knowing who they are or where they stand.knowing who they are or where they stand.

• Commitment in groups involves care for Commitment in groups involves care for others over a long period of time. Taylor others over a long period of time. Taylor suggests that suggests that secular secular or or humanistichumanistic values obscure an understanding of the values obscure an understanding of the “self” and thus cannot sustain the values of “self” and thus cannot sustain the values of commitment in groups.commitment in groups.

2. Moral Stance (direction)2. Moral Stance (direction)

• Using the commitments made to the Using the commitments made to the various groups, an individual can take a various groups, an individual can take a stance on a number of life’s questions.stance on a number of life’s questions.

• While one commitment may have a While one commitment may have a greater weight on an individual’s greater weight on an individual’s stance, it is important to realize that stance, it is important to realize that the identity is much deeper and many-the identity is much deeper and many-sided, thus moral decisions are made sided, thus moral decisions are made using all commitment groups.using all commitment groups.

Life Question Example Response an a Catholic, Canadian or HT

student)

What is Good and Bad? What’s the harm of abortion

According to a Catholic, abortion destroys the intrinsic value of human life deemed from the moment of conception.

What is worth doing or not doing?

Getting an OSSD and graduating to

other pursue other options

As a Holy Trinity student, one learns the importance of receiving a high school diploma and venturing off into post-secondary opportunities.

What is meaningful/trivial?

A multicultural society is

meaningful, an accent is trivial

As a Canadian, an individual is taught to promote multiculturalism. National pride gives an individual and accent to proudly use and define himself/herself as a Canadian, thus one takes a stance to this.

Meaningful: a meaning or purpose; "a meaningful explanation”;” a meaningful discussion"; "a meaningful pause"

Trivial: insignificant: not large enough to consider or notice

3. Relation to Others (physical 3. Relation to Others (physical stance)stance)

• Your name and who you are referred to Your name and who you are referred to define who you are, where you stand and define who you are, where you stand and where your identity lies.where your identity lies.

• Your are either able to answer for yourself or Your are either able to answer for yourself or can be identified by others. Your identity also can be identified by others. Your identity also lies in your relation to lies in your relation to the “other”the “other”..

• My name is Nikhil, Timea, Andre, Steve, My name is Nikhil, Timea, Andre, Steve, Jacky, Christine, Mr. O’Carroll etc... (Identify Jacky, Christine, Mr. O’Carroll etc... (Identify yourself)yourself)

• He is Jason’s brother, He is the local painter, He is Jason’s brother, He is the local painter, she is Dave’s sister-in-law, and He is the she is Dave’s sister-in-law, and He is the pope (identification in relation to the “other”)pope (identification in relation to the “other”)

C: The importance of C: The importance of communication and languagecommunication and language

• As already discussed, the “self” is achieved through As already discussed, the “self” is achieved through interactions with others as well as taking a stance interactions with others as well as taking a stance and direction towards moral decisions. A sense of and direction towards moral decisions. A sense of “self” is also achieved by being part of a community “self” is also achieved by being part of a community that shares a common that shares a common languagelanguage. This is the third . This is the third concept of the importance in being human.concept of the importance in being human.

• Values, aspirations, plans, dreams, hopes and works Values, aspirations, plans, dreams, hopes and works were all made known as good qualities to an were all made known as good qualities to an individual by parents, teachers and other people.individual by parents, teachers and other people.

• Charles Taylor claims that the world is shaped by Charles Taylor claims that the world is shaped by “language”. Before anyone can answer the question “language”. Before anyone can answer the question “Who am I”, they must come to recognize the “Who am I”, they must come to recognize the community into which they were born, the people community into which they were born, the people that raised them and the language they speak.that raised them and the language they speak.

LanguageIs expressed in

moral and spiritual discernment

through conversations with those who raised us. (e.g. family)

These conversations not only have

meaning for an individual but also for his/her conversation

partners (mainly family).

Through these conversations, a common

language is achieved. When something is

discussed/entered/experienced through conversation it becomes a sacred “object”

and the basis to understanding oneself.

Such objects include love, anxiety, and

aspiration to wholeness, trust,

wisdom and knowledge.

An individual may take an innovative approach to understanding themselves, but essentially it is the “objects” exposed through conversations with the

family that preliminarily define an individual. Expressing problems to outsiders is only possible, if

an outsider shares this same common language first generated by family experience.

The “self” exists within webs of conversation,

first achieved by those that brought us

up.

Languages are sacred and can be

meaningless to those who do not share the

same experiences e.g. an “inside joke” is

only understood by members who share

the joke.

This is the same with the language of Catholicism. “Eucharist”, “Trinity”,

“Sacrifice”, “resurrection”, “transubstantiation” are understood

only by Catholics and are very sacred in defining oneself as part of this

religious tradition.

Language: the verbal style by which people express themselves. Contains and shares with others common experiences and commitments

“The word became flesh

and lived among us” (John 1.14)

Language: the verbal style by which people express themselves. Contains and shares with others common experiences and commitments

(The weight of words in one’s life)Words, while cannot make or remake reality, have the ability to prevent chaos, give us a vision and left ourselves beyond the ordinary.

Meaning comes from the words used and the symbols associated with these words? “fall in love”, “great chemistry”, “It’s not you it’s me”, “soul mate” or even “God found me a soul mate” which associates the symbol of providence that God has in our lives.Meaning and happiness are not based on where we are living, what we are doing or how we view or name these areas.A Deeper set of words sets a finite experience against the infinite horizon. It removes the ordinary of our lives and enhances the extraordinary aspects of our lives in faith and poetry.

E.g. “You are my brothers and sisters! Love one another as I have love you”

The “person” in light of The “person” in light of Christian originsChristian origins

• There are two distinct definitions for “person” in Christianity.There are two distinct definitions for “person” in Christianity.

• During the time of the early Christians, the idea that God a union During the time of the early Christians, the idea that God a union of three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) was very much of three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) was very much confusing.confusing.

• Both the Latin and Greek languages had specific words for a Both the Latin and Greek languages had specific words for a “person”. A definition based on the outside of an individual and “person”. A definition based on the outside of an individual and one that neglected the inner core of a human being.one that neglected the inner core of a human being.

• In order to decipher the puzzle “one God in three persons”, a new In order to decipher the puzzle “one God in three persons”, a new definition of a “person” had to be created to suit this scenario.definition of a “person” had to be created to suit this scenario.

• Two interpretations were proposed.Two interpretations were proposed.

A definition of a person is one A definition of a person is one who bears rights and who bears rights and

responsibilitiesresponsibilities • To be a person, one must be To be a person, one must be

autonomous and independent. No autonomous and independent. No two people are alike, an individual two people are alike, an individual is one to be conscious and act. is one to be conscious and act.

• Therefore in light of Christianity, Therefore in light of Christianity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are singular and distinct from each singular and distinct from each other. Hence the triangle other. Hence the triangle representing 3 different points representing 3 different points reflects this idea.reflects this idea.

The Holy Trinity

A definition of a person is an A definition of a person is an outpouring of love towards outpouring of love towards

anotheranother • Despite the distinct nature of the Despite the distinct nature of the

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, there Father, Son and Holy Spirit, there is a unity as symbolised by the is a unity as symbolised by the three concentric circles.three concentric circles.

• What binds these three persons What binds these three persons together?together?

• The answer lies in love!!!The answer lies in love!!!

God =

Love

A communion

of love involving

Father, Son and Holy Spirit is

formed by God.

Love binds all three “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” into a unity. Trinity was the new word used to define this phenomenon. “Trinitas” being the Latin root word meaning “three

occurring at once”!

The love generated

breathed the Son, which in turn breathed forth the Holy

Spirit

TRINITY

So what does this have to So what does this have to do with a person?do with a person?

• Being made in the image and likeness of God, a person is made by and for Being made in the image and likeness of God, a person is made by and for love and this outpouring of love is inscribed in one’s individuality (what love and this outpouring of love is inscribed in one’s individuality (what makes them a person).makes them a person).

• Love and the “other” is implanted as part of your self. Human beings are Love and the “other” is implanted as part of your self. Human beings are by nature social beings.by nature social beings.

• A person essentially is “the self as relational”.A person essentially is “the self as relational”.

• The trinity is formed on one person relying and attaching to another to The trinity is formed on one person relying and attaching to another to create such a unified and powerful figure. create such a unified and powerful figure.

• This is much like human beings and their need for love and other people!!!This is much like human beings and their need for love and other people!!!

• Otherwise, isn’t loneliness so painful?Otherwise, isn’t loneliness so painful?

D: The importance of D: The importance of character and one’s bodycharacter and one’s body

We have already learned that interactions with others, moral stance and direction and language defines an individual.The body is the last element that defines the visible characteristics of a person.All human actions through use of the body are embodied: This means that they shape an individual’s character.

Building CharacterBuilding Character

• The word “character” refers to the The word “character” refers to the way your actions, over time; tend to way your actions, over time; tend to become fixed in your body. become fixed in your body.

Maximum Capacity

Potential to succeed

Starting point

“Moral fibre” is much like muscle fibre, the more it is exercised the stronger your

character. The greater moral and

ethical actions taken, the greater the

increase in character.

Repeated actions are known as “habits”

Harmony of HabitsHarmony of HabitsHabit: A manner of behaving

acquired by frequent repetition; prevailing

disposition or character.

Harmony of HabitsHarmony of Habits• According to Paul Ricoeur, a philosopher, a habit is possible in allowing an According to Paul Ricoeur, a philosopher, a habit is possible in allowing an

individual to change his/herself through his/her acts.individual to change his/herself through his/her acts.

• By engaging in these acts, an individual learns more about themselves By engaging in these acts, an individual learns more about themselves and acquires a specific habit that contracts it’s self within their persona.and acquires a specific habit that contracts it’s self within their persona.

• ““Habit fixes our tastes and aptitudes and shrinks our field of Habit fixes our tastes and aptitudes and shrinks our field of availability; the range of the possible narrows down; my life has availability; the range of the possible narrows down; my life has

taken shape.”taken shape.”

• When actions are repeated time and time again, they become rooted in an When actions are repeated time and time again, they become rooted in an individual, such that an individual will be recognized for these habits. E.g. individual, such that an individual will be recognized for these habits. E.g. a generous person, a stubborn person, a cheery person, a devious person a generous person, a stubborn person, a cheery person, a devious person or even a possessive person.or even a possessive person.

• As a child, such habits are continually changing, once they are rooted As a child, such habits are continually changing, once they are rooted within the person, they cannot be changed! Thus as one grows older, they within the person, they cannot be changed! Thus as one grows older, they acquire only a certain set of habits that define them as an individual and acquire only a certain set of habits that define them as an individual and thus become set in their ways for good or bad!!!thus become set in their ways for good or bad!!!

It often comes to question, how strongly do It often comes to question, how strongly do habits and personality traits affect habits and personality traits affect

decisions as opposed to rational thoughts decisions as opposed to rational thoughts and judgement:and judgement:

How often have you compromised on the How often have you compromised on the smaller purchases of life and not even did smaller purchases of life and not even did

not even make logical decisions on the not even make logical decisions on the larger purchases of life.larger purchases of life.

The truth about big decisions and character:The truth about big decisions and character:

• They never marched through logical processes, staff systems, They never marched through logical processes, staff systems, option papers or yellow pads to reach a conclusion.option papers or yellow pads to reach a conclusion.

• No bottom lines or voices announcing “We’re going through!”No bottom lines or voices announcing “We’re going through!”

• They are made on the basis of mental sets, predispositions, They are made on the basis of mental sets, predispositions, tendencies that take a lifetime to determine.tendencies that take a lifetime to determine.

• The feeling of “right” is always contemplated especially if an The feeling of “right” is always contemplated especially if an individual can predict the outcomes of a decision that has to be individual can predict the outcomes of a decision that has to be made.made.

• People often wish to have a decision-making process to make People often wish to have a decision-making process to make such decisions, but “a decision is not a decision until it has to be such decisions, but “a decision is not a decision until it has to be made”made”

• Thus, most probably it is made on the basis of character than Thus, most probably it is made on the basis of character than judgment. A moral instinct that is developed over the years and judgment. A moral instinct that is developed over the years and determines what you see, how you see it and how you will determines what you see, how you see it and how you will interpret this.interpret this.

• Hence it is important to pay attention to the formation of a Hence it is important to pay attention to the formation of a moral character as in times of doubt; this will be the most crucial moral character as in times of doubt; this will be the most crucial aspect to making a decision.aspect to making a decision.

Paul RicoeurPaul Ricoeur•Paul Ricoeur is widely known as one of the most Paul Ricoeur is widely known as one of the most

distinguished philosophers of modern time.distinguished philosophers of modern time.•Ricoeur notes a distinction between ethics and Ricoeur notes a distinction between ethics and

morals being that ethics is concerned with the morals being that ethics is concerned with the overall aim of a life of action, whereas morality refers overall aim of a life of action, whereas morality refers to the expression of this aim in terms of norms and to the expression of this aim in terms of norms and morals that are regarded as mandatory in society.morals that are regarded as mandatory in society.

•Paul Ricoeur states that action and imputation are Paul Ricoeur states that action and imputation are two fundamental base capabilities involved with two fundamental base capabilities involved with ethics and morals.ethics and morals.

•People in society are allowed to choose their own People in society are allowed to choose their own actions, and what they do is imputable to them as a actions, and what they do is imputable to them as a freely chosen deed.freely chosen deed.

E:E: The importance of The importance of conscienceconscience

Conscience: the sense of what is right and wrong that governs somebody's thoughts and actions, urging him or her to do right rather than wrong

• So far we have seen how one can understand themselves So far we have seen how one can understand themselves as an ethical and moral being.as an ethical and moral being.

• All ethical decisions and the role as a human are based on All ethical decisions and the role as a human are based on factors that surround a person e.g. environment, other factors that surround a person e.g. environment, other people, language etc…people, language etc…

• The human self-however is not only composed of the The human self-however is not only composed of the outside, but a deep inner self. This is anthropological trait is outside, but a deep inner self. This is anthropological trait is

THE CONSCIENCETHE CONSCIENCE

Anthropological Traits: Scientific study

of the origin, the behaviour, physical, social and cultural characteristics of

humans.

Outside influences•Other people

LanguageCommitment Groups

Inside influencesHabitsIdentity

Deeper issues:CONSCIENCE

What is conscienceWhat is conscience

Conscience calls us to “love and to do what is good and to avoid evil”.

It’s an inner voice telling us what to do at the right moment. It is also believed that the conscience is a law inscribed in human hearts by God.

Conscience is a secret core and sanctuary in which one is alone with God and his voice echoes in our depths.

The Church’s comment on ConscienceThe Church’s comment on Conscience

In a conscience, man discovers a law not laid upon himself, but one which he must obey.

It is a judgment in which a human person recognizes the moral quality

of an act he is to perform or has already completed. It allows him to

perceive and recognize the prescriptions of the divine law and

faithfully follow what is believed to be just and right.

The conscience is a law inscribed by God in the heart. It is where the voice of God

echoes, a most secret core and sanctuary.

It’s tells man to do what is good and avoid what is evil.

A loyalty to conscience allows for the search for truth and solves

problems arising from individual and social relationships.

Conscience often goes astray through ignorance. This is unavoidable at times and thus a person who takes little trouble to finding a

conscience or those blinded through a habit of

committing sin are not entirely at fault.

Conscience welcomes the commandments. It examines

an authority of truth in reference to the supreme Good

to which a human person is developed.

It emphasizes guidance by objective standards of moral conduct.

Sigmund Freud’s approach to conscienceSigmund Freud’s approach to conscience• As people mature, their actions tend to stream away from the experience of As people mature, their actions tend to stream away from the experience of

rules and laws imposed by others (parents, police, teachers, priests, gov’t rules and laws imposed by others (parents, police, teachers, priests, gov’t etc…) to a more self-directed and conscionable law system from within.etc…) to a more self-directed and conscionable law system from within.

• A person will consider what is right and wrong. This gives a person A person will consider what is right and wrong. This gives a person a more mature conscience as they become more self-directed as a more mature conscience as they become more self-directed as opposed to an immature conscience that is influenced by others.opposed to an immature conscience that is influenced by others.

• A morally mature person makes their own decisions. Whist they may still A morally mature person makes their own decisions. Whist they may still take the advice of others, they will most often make their own judgements take the advice of others, they will most often make their own judgements and acceptance of moral values.and acceptance of moral values.

• According to Freud, the conscience is not a feeling that is right or wrong, According to Freud, the conscience is not a feeling that is right or wrong, nor does it act as a feeling of failure, although this could signal something is nor does it act as a feeling of failure, although this could signal something is incorrect. E.g. lighting a cigarette after one has quit smoking. Conscience is incorrect. E.g. lighting a cigarette after one has quit smoking. Conscience is also not the fear of punishment if we break our curfew. This is where also not the fear of punishment if we break our curfew. This is where Freud’s analytical theory comes into play at drawing a distinction between a Freud’s analytical theory comes into play at drawing a distinction between a moral conscience and the “superego”moral conscience and the “superego”

Freud examines three elements of personality Freud examines three elements of personality associated with the mind, which he believes holds associated with the mind, which he believes holds

value to a conscience:value to a conscience:

IDThe unconscious reservoir of instinctual drives largely dominated by the pleasure principle.

EGOThe conscious structure which operates on the reality principle to mediate the forces of the id, the demands of society, and the reality of the physical world.

SUPEREGOThe ego of another superimposed on our own to serve as an internal sensor to regulate our conduct by using guilt as it’s powerful weapon.

Sigmund FreudSigmund Freud• Sigmund Freud is world-renowned for his theories Sigmund Freud is world-renowned for his theories

of the unconscious mind, especially involving of the unconscious mind, especially involving repression, his definition of sexual desire repression, his definition of sexual desire as as mobile and directed towards a wide variety of mobile and directed towards a wide variety of objects, and for his theory about the value of objects, and for his theory about the value of dreams as sources of insight into unconscious dreams as sources of insight into unconscious desires.desires.

• Freud’s most significant contribution to the Freud’s most significant contribution to the Western world was his argument of the Western world was his argument of the unconscious mind and the Id, Ego, and Superego, unconscious mind and the Id, Ego, and Superego, which, he said, are all divisions of the human which, he said, are all divisions of the human psyche.psyche.

The Id, Ego, and SuperegoThe Id, Ego, and Superego

• Dreams, he said, provided the best and Dreams, he said, provided the best and most efficient access to our most efficient access to our unconscious mind, and show the work unconscious mind, and show the work of the id.of the id.

• The id is fully unconscious and The id is fully unconscious and represents primitive drives. The represents primitive drives. The Superego is partially conscious and this Superego is partially conscious and this represents our conscience or the moral represents our conscience or the moral judge within us. The ego is the midway judge within us. The ego is the midway between them, and is used to provide between them, and is used to provide balance between the id and superego. balance between the id and superego.

• The id, as previously stated, is the source of our drives. The id, as previously stated, is the source of our drives. Our drives come from the id and apply energy to objects, Our drives come from the id and apply energy to objects, which may result in aggressive behavior. The id behaves which may result in aggressive behavior. The id behaves as though it were unconscious because our ego’s and as though it were unconscious because our ego’s and superego’s ideals and pressures are in conflict with the superego’s ideals and pressures are in conflict with the id’s drives and passion. id’s drives and passion.

• If their drives were to conflict, this would cause If their drives were to conflict, this would cause repression, something that the human psyche cannot repression, something that the human psyche cannot fully comprehend, as the satisfaction of the id’s drives fully comprehend, as the satisfaction of the id’s drives would be cause major social and self image problems.would be cause major social and self image problems.

• The ego is the psyche’s form of balance. Providing a The ego is the psyche’s form of balance. Providing a balance between the two extremes, while still satisfying balance between the two extremes, while still satisfying both the id and superego is the ego’s task. The ego uses both the id and superego is the ego’s task. The ego uses defense mechanisms when the id’s desires conflict with defense mechanisms when the id’s desires conflict with reality or social morals.reality or social morals.

• The superego will be discussed nextThe superego will be discussed next

• In conclusion, our id is our depressed In conclusion, our id is our depressed drives, and only appears when we are fully drives, and only appears when we are fully unconscious. Our superego is our moral unconscious. Our superego is our moral judge whichjudge which acts as our conscience. And acts as our conscience. And our ego acts as a balance between our id our ego acts as a balance between our id and our superego.and our superego.

Surprising Supporting Super-egoSurprising Supporting Super-ego• The superego is the “shoulds” and “have-tos” The superego is the “shoulds” and “have-tos”

absorbed by growing up in a world of authority absorbed by growing up in a world of authority figures, first with the parents and then other’s in figures, first with the parents and then other’s in society.society.

• It’s a weapon of “guilt springs” for both serious and It’s a weapon of “guilt springs” for both serious and simple matters. It tells us we are good when we do simple matters. It tells us we are good when we do something we are told to do and bad when we something we are told to do and bad when we disobey or refuse to do this.disobey or refuse to do this.

• The development of the “superego” comes with The development of the “superego” comes with punishment from childhood. One fears punishment punishment from childhood. One fears punishment not only because of the physical pain, but because it not only because of the physical pain, but because it represents a loss in love. Thus a child will regulate represents a loss in love. Thus a child will regulate their behaviour to suit authority figures as a means their behaviour to suit authority figures as a means of self-protection and to be loved. They ultimately of self-protection and to be loved. They ultimately succumb to the values presented by their parents.succumb to the values presented by their parents.

Related to “wants” directed by our own personal values and needs.Is developed by from personal perception and appropriation of values developed in the stories and examples of people we want to be like. It acts in love responding to values we commit to.It’s responsible for freedom in doing something that we value and seek.

Super-ego Moral ConscienceRelated to the “shoulds” or “havetos” directed by someone else i.e. authority figures.Is developed by absorbing the rules and regulations of authority figures who strive to promote love in teaching us to do the right thing. We behave by their commands because we fear punishment or losing love from them and thus need to be accepted and approved.Helps to integrate wisdom into past actions. You realize “the way things are done”Most “shoulds” should not become enforced, yet become personal choices. Often, we confess these “shoulds” to God in terms of help, but this decreases as one becomes more mature morally.

THE SUPER-EGO IS DEVELOPED FROM WHAT WE THE SUPER-EGO IS DEVELOPED FROM WHAT WE HAVE TO DO, CHOICES MADE BY OTHERS HAVE TO DO, CHOICES MADE BY OTHERS WHEREAS THE MORAL CONSCIENCE IS WHEREAS THE MORAL CONSCIENCE IS DEVELOPED FROM WHAT WE WANT TO DO, DEVELOPED FROM WHAT WE WANT TO DO, CHOICE MADE THROUGH SELF-DIRECTION!CHOICE MADE THROUGH SELF-DIRECTION!

Conscience helps to direct our own activity. Conscience helps to direct our own activity. Every choice, commitment and promise is a Every choice, commitment and promise is a choice between being authentic or inauthentic.choice between being authentic or inauthentic.

“The morally mature adult is called to commit his or her freedom, not to submit to it. As long as we do not direct our activity, we are not yet free, morally mature persons.”

Richard Gula

Authentic: Conforming to fact and therefore worthy of trust, reliance, or belief: an authentic account by

an eyewitness.

Timothy O’ConnellTimothy O’Connell• Timothy O’Connell is a professor at Loyola University in Timothy O’Connell is a professor at Loyola University in

Chicago where he specializes in morals and ethics.Chicago where he specializes in morals and ethics.• He has authored many books based on morals and He has authored many books based on morals and

ethics.ethics.• He is known for something called the “Values Agenda”:He is known for something called the “Values Agenda”:

– Understanding how our values are formedUnderstanding how our values are formed– Facing ethical challenges every dayFacing ethical challenges every day– Exploring the important values in our livesExploring the important values in our lives– Improving our ethical decision makingImproving our ethical decision making– Passing on the values we most cherishPassing on the values we most cherish– Living a value-based life at home and workLiving a value-based life at home and work– Building a life -- and sharing it with othersBuilding a life -- and sharing it with others

Three senses of conscienceThree senses of conscience• In the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the In the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the

Modern World, Timothy O’Connell identifies three Modern World, Timothy O’Connell identifies three senses of the word “conscience”. These senses tend senses of the word “conscience”. These senses tend to act in an order to solve certain moral decisions.to act in an order to solve certain moral decisions.

• Richard Gula claims that one “must always do what Richard Gula claims that one “must always do what is believed to be right and avoid what is believed to is believed to be right and avoid what is believed to be wrong”. “Choosing one line of action and be wrong”. “Choosing one line of action and avoiding another is God’s call. This is the moral avoiding another is God’s call. This is the moral course of action that acts as the conscience and course of action that acts as the conscience and this cannot be violated”.this cannot be violated”.

• Conscience is a guiding light to moral decisions and Conscience is a guiding light to moral decisions and is a sacred sanctity between a person and God. is a sacred sanctity between a person and God.

Conscience as Capacity Conscience as Process Conscience as Judgement

Conscience as CapacityElement or Feature of this

senseExample

Our capacity to know and do good, and to avoid evil.

Based on your identity. Do you recognise cheating in tests to be evil and studying and achieving to be good?

Our fundamental sense of value and personal responsibility.

Do you value other people in life? Is it a personal responsibility to ensure societal well-being, not just for yourself but for others?

Our fundamental awareness that there is a right and wrong.

Can you distinguish what is good and what is bad e.g. helping others or condemning others?

Conscience as Process

Element or Feature of this sense

Example

Knowing how to perceive accurately and to think correctly.

What are the implications of stealing and what is morally wrong about this?

Moral disagreements, error, blindness and insight occur here.

Is the Catholic church’s condemnation of abortion fair to those in society…e.g. such as myself?

Conscience must be formed an examined What is my conscience telling me to do? As a manager do I please my employees or my public shareholders?

Draws upon moral sources to understand what it means to be human in a moral way. Developed in the community

The catholic church, my parents, family, friends, school environment, habits and my character tell me as a human I must not do harm to others.

Seeks to know the truth and to make it one’s own

I must find out if he did sabotage her religion poster and resolve the situation.

Searches for right through perception, reflection and analysis.

Taking drugs is morally wrong. The Catholic church teaches us to respect our bodies as they are sacred. If I take them, I could harm myself and those that I love.

Conscience as JudgmentElement or Feature of this sense Example

Concrete judgement and decision to be made based on perception and values.

I did not take the prize money because I did not successfully win the competition and learnt that cheating hinders true performance and fairness.

Conscience makes a moral decision, moral action and expresses a certain stance.

I knew the planned fight after school between the boys would end in disaster, so I informed a teacher to sort the matter out. I can’t stand for violence and physically outside the school environment.

More than “this” or “that” choice, a decision is based on “this” or “that person.

I chose not to play the last game of polka at the casino, because I am particularly superstitious and a low risk taker.

This is the conscience that I must obey to be true to myself.

Hiding from my conscience whilst thinking about the thousands of dollars I spent as an alcoholic. I have now enrolled in a rehabilitation facility.

Secret core and sanctity with God. People must not be forced to act against their conscience.

I was forced to become an agnostic during the latter part of my life, but my bond with God is too strong and my connection to Christianity is too strong that my conscience would not withstand this decision.

F: The development of F: The development of one’s conscienceone’s conscience

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there

are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that

leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7: 13-14)

Developing a conscienceDeveloping a conscience

• How can my “moral self” be formed How can my “moral self” be formed and how can I make the right and how can I make the right judgements and decisions?judgements and decisions?

• There is no simple recipe for There is no simple recipe for developing a conscience. There are developing a conscience. There are however some pointers to keep in however some pointers to keep in mind. mind.

How your conscience developsHow your conscience develops1. Conscience develops with maturity; your sense 1. Conscience develops with maturity; your sense

of right and wrong is formed within the family of right and wrong is formed within the family and becomes increasingly refined with time.and becomes increasingly refined with time.

2. Conscience develops as the norms, values, 2. Conscience develops as the norms, values, virtues and commandments found in the virtues and commandments found in the Christian tradition are used as guidelines for Christian tradition are used as guidelines for the conscience.the conscience.

3. Conscience helps you to deal with failure and 3. Conscience helps you to deal with failure and sins as one becomes aware of they weakness, sins as one becomes aware of they weakness, they realize the fragility of the human being they realize the fragility of the human being and need support from others, especially God.and need support from others, especially God.

4. Conscience develops through participation in 4. Conscience develops through participation in the Eucharist and prayer life of the church.the Eucharist and prayer life of the church.

5. Conscience develops as one grows in humility, 5. Conscience develops as one grows in humility, realizing that we are not the FINAL deciders of realizing that we are not the FINAL deciders of what is right and wrong. Our humility leads us what is right and wrong. Our humility leads us to seek the direction of the church.to seek the direction of the church.

Symptoms of a Symptoms of a misinformed consciencemisinformed conscience

• Rationalization:Rationalization: Making excuses for wrong actions by suggesting Making excuses for wrong actions by suggesting that the “victim” party can afford it or can handle the action.that the “victim” party can afford it or can handle the action.

• Trivialization:Trivialization: Making excuses based on following the norms or Making excuses based on following the norms or predominant actions of societypredominant actions of society

• Misinformation:Misinformation: Giving misleading or false information that Giving misleading or false information that could potentially cause an individual to do or have something could potentially cause an individual to do or have something unnecessary.unnecessary.

• The end justifies the immoral means:The end justifies the immoral means: The outcome is highly The outcome is highly important and thus the actions undertaken whether good or bad important and thus the actions undertaken whether good or bad justify this outcome.justify this outcome.

• Means to an end:Means to an end: Engaging in destructive actions and trying to Engaging in destructive actions and trying to suggest that there will be possible benefits by the destruction.suggest that there will be possible benefits by the destruction.

• Difficulty to reason:Difficulty to reason: Acting impulsively without considering the Acting impulsively without considering the consequences or other possible solutions to a given problem. consequences or other possible solutions to a given problem.

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Moral behaviour is

developmental: tied to

intellectual, social and spiritual growth.

Moral behaviour (what is good and bad) and values that guide moral actions are acquired from family, friends, school, community and formal institutions.

These give rise to our character in determining “right” and “wrong” and thus come into play when facing a moral decision.

Sometimes, one thinks they are doing something good, when in fact they are doing the opposite. They also find it impossible to reason the right course of action.

Conscience can sometimes be malformed due to a lack of information, faulty reasoning, misinformation received from others or faulty value structures.

A well-formed

conscience is well informed. You have a responsibility to be informed about issues of moral living as well as other moral thinkers.

Humanity can be discovered through shared human experiences, but also through yourself. To understand human reality, you need to SEEK OUT INFORMATION FROM OTHERS.

Confusions in the decision-

making process

Who can help you to inform your conscience?

Are all values and norms in the community good, or can some be destructive to the community’s members.

What happens when one has to choose conflicting goods? E.g. lose weight or eat another piece of cake?

Solving a dilemma is only possible with moral maturity: this developed over time. This process lies within the people you interact with as well as with yourself. You need to constantly seek what it means to be human.

Moral questions can be sought out from the magisterium of the Catholic Church!

“For a Catholic to make a decision of conscience with indifference to, or in spite of, the magisterium would be forfeiting one’s claim to be acting as a loyal Catholic and according to a properly informed conscience”

Magisterium: The official Teaching office of the Church

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END! THIS IS

ONE OF THEM!!!