Conscience NAME

Inadequate definition Little/inner voice Upbringing Feeling ( guilty)

Guilt Positive—if it moves one to correct the action Negative—if one identifies act with self—low self image / shame (I did this bad thing so I am bad)

Problems with guilt Feel guilty but not be guilty ( over responsible Not feel guilty but be guilty (rationalize Minimize Dulls moral sense

Function of conscience Two fold Judgment- before action Evaluation- after action Acts as a guide to behavior

Three dimensions see pg Awareness Development Judgment

Definition see page 63, 65 Capacity to make a judgment being aware that there is a right and a wrong or human /less than human, considering a sensitivity to what it means to be human…according to Jesus of Nazareth.

Types of conscience Lax – lazy—this type succumbs easily to “every one else is doing it, what’s wrong…” you got caught… Scrupulous—uptight Upright/Informed Erroneous—see page 70—misinformed, in error

Freedom of conscience One cannot be forced to act contrary to one’s beliefs/convictions based on Gospel truth of what it means to be human, nor must one be prevented from acting their conscience. Ex. Conscientious objector Does not mean if I think its right its right. (individualistic conscience—see page 74&76)

Conscience in Catholic Tradition Pgs Knowing of the Heart-not simply intellectual but an activity of the whole person Exercise of free will Represents dignity of human person Freedom is necessary See page 76