Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does Aquinas define conscience?
How does Aquinas define conscience?
- As an inherent trait without reasoning.
- As the voice of God guiding moral decisions.
- As synonymous with moral law.
- As a faculty of reason given by God. (correct)
What two reasons can cause a mistaken conscience according to Aquinas?
What two reasons can cause a mistaken conscience according to Aquinas?
- A desire for self-interest over morality. (correct)
- Ignorance of the applicable moral law. (correct)
- Intentionally ignoring the moral law.
- Misperception of an action's consequences.
What is Butler's view on the function of conscience?
What is Butler's view on the function of conscience?
- To reflect on past actions and future decisions. (correct)
- To eliminate personal desires.
- To unconditionally obey authority.
- To establish fixed moral laws.
What distinguishes Butler’s concept of conscience from Aquinas'?
What distinguishes Butler’s concept of conscience from Aquinas'?
In Aquinas' view, what does going against conscience imply?
In Aquinas' view, what does going against conscience imply?
What does Butler identify as a central principle guiding human behavior?
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?
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?
How does Aquinas' view of conscience contribute to free moral decision-making?
Flashcards
Aquinas' View of Conscience
Aquinas' View of Conscience
Aquinas argues that conscience is a God-given faculty of reason, rather than a voice of God.
How does Conscience Work for Aquinas?
How does Conscience Work for Aquinas?
According to Aquinas, conscience is a process of applying primary precepts of Natural Moral Law to specific situations, leading to a judgment of right or wrong.
Can Conscience be Wrong?
Can Conscience be Wrong?
Aquinas acknowledges that conscience can be mistaken due to ignorance of the moral law or inaccurate information.
Following Your Conscience
Following Your Conscience
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Butler's View of Conscience
Butler's View of Conscience
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What Does Conscience Judge?
What Does Conscience Judge?
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How does Conscience Work?
How does Conscience Work?
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Conscience is Independent
Conscience is Independent
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Study Notes
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.
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