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What is the recommended action when a person is in doubt about whether they have a moral obligation to act?
What is the recommended action when a person is in doubt about whether they have a moral obligation to act?
What does it mean when a lawyer has a clear obligation to defend a client?
What does it mean when a lawyer has a clear obligation to defend a client?
What is a consequence of always yielding to doubtful claims in order to be morally safe?
What is a consequence of always yielding to doubtful claims in order to be morally safe?
What happens when the obligation itself is in doubt?
What happens when the obligation itself is in doubt?
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What does the second reflex principle suggest regarding doubtful obligations?
What does the second reflex principle suggest regarding doubtful obligations?
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What is the primary role of conscience according to the content?
What is the primary role of conscience according to the content?
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How is conscience related to a person's childhood experiences?
How is conscience related to a person's childhood experiences?
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Which of the following describes a misconception about conscience stated in the content?
Which of the following describes a misconception about conscience stated in the content?
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What is meant by subjective morality in relation to conscience?
What is meant by subjective morality in relation to conscience?
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How are feelings of guilt and conscience distinguished in the content?
How are feelings of guilt and conscience distinguished in the content?
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Study Notes
Conscience and Morality
- Subjective Morality: Each person has a unique moral compass and should follow their conscience even if objectively incorrect.
- Objective Morality: We strive to align our conscience with objective moral principles.
Definition of Conscience
- Conscience is not an external voice but a function of our intellect, judging the morality of our actions based on our internal value system.
- It's not a separate power, but our intellect applying moral principles to individual acts.
Conscience and Moral Action
- Certain Conscience: Judges an action clearly as right or wrong without doubt.
- Doubtful Conscience: Hesitates on the moral judgment.
- Erroneous Conscience: Judges good as evil or vice versa.
Reflex Principles for Doubtful Conscience
- Reflex Principle 1: Moral Safer Course: When in doubt, choose the morally safer act even if it is burdensome.
- Reflex Principle 2: Doubtful Obligation Does Not Bind: If the obligation itself is doubtful, we are not obliged to act.
Applications
- Certain Obligation: If an obligation is clear, follow the morally safer course using certain means.
- Doubtful Obligation: If unsure whether an obligation exists, use the "doubtful obligation does not bind" principle.
Forming a Conscience
- Direct Method: Use careful reasoning, expert advice, and fact-finding to resolve the doubt.
- Indirect Method: If the direct method fails, use reflex principles to guide action.
Summary
- Morality involves judging the rightness or wrongness of actions.
- Conscience is a form of deduction, applying moral values to specific situations.
- Always act with a certain conscience, even if it's erroneous.
- Never act with a doubtful conscience; resolve doubt using the direct or indirect method.
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Description
Explore the intricate concepts of conscience and morality, including subjective and objective moralities. This quiz examines the role of conscience in moral actions, identifying different types of consciences and the principles guiding decision-making in uncertain situations.
