Understanding Conscience: Aquinas and Butler

How does Aquinas define conscience?

What two reasons can cause a mistaken conscience according to Aquinas?

What is Butler's view on the function of conscience?

What distinguishes Butler’s concept of conscience from Aquinas'?

In Aquinas' view, what does going against conscience imply?

What does Butler identify as a central principle guiding human behavior?

What does the term 'autonomous' refer to in the context of Butler's understanding of conscience?

How does Aquinas' view of conscience contribute to free moral decision-making?

Aquinas' Understanding of Conscience

Aquinas argues conscience is not the voice of God, but a faculty of reason.
Practical reason reflects on human nature to understand Natural Moral Law.
Conscience applies these precepts to situations.
Conscience is fallible, and can be mistaken in two ways:
- Ignorance of the moral law.
- Lack of factual information.
Conscience should always be followed, even when in error; truth dictates following one's conscience.
Truth comes from God, so contradicting conscience conflicts with God.

Butler's Analysis of Conscience

Butler views conscience as a reflective principle in human nature.
It is a natural, God-given guide.
Conscience involves reflecting on past actions and future decisions, making us aware of right and wrong.
Conscience differentiates between actions, evaluating them positively or negatively, or remaining neutral.
Conscience is based on two principles:
- Prudence (natural self-love or egoism).
- Benevolence (natural love for others or altruism).
For moral functioning, a balance between prudence and benevolence is needed in individuals and society.
Conscience judges between competing elements of self-love and other-love.
Conscience is autonomous, judging based on internal criteria of right and wrong, rather than divine guidance.

Key Term: Autonomous

Autonomous means self-directing, independent, and self-governing.
Conscience, according to Butler, is a self-governing faculty.

Explore the contrasting views of conscience by Thomas Aquinas and Joseph Butler. This quiz examines how each philosopher defines conscience, its role in moral reasoning, and its implications for human behavior. Delve into their insights on the nature of conscience as a faculty of reason versus a natural guide.