Conscience Butler and Newman

Joseph Butler (1692 – 1752) Anglican priest and theologian. Ordained 1718. Offered the post of Archbishop of Canterbury in 1747 but refused it. Became Bishop of Durham in 1750. Key work: ‘Of the Nature of Virtue’ established him as one of the foremost British writers on ethics and moral philosophy.

Joseph Butler Conscience from God ‘There is a principle reflection in men by which they distinguish between approval and disapproval of their own actions … this principle in man … is conscience.” This distinguishes us from animals – we are in touch with God’s Will. Conscience is “our natural guide, the guide assigned to us by the Author of our nature.”

Joseph Butler Authority The conscience ‘magisterially exerts itself’ spontaneously ‘without being consulted’ automatically and with authority. ‘Had it strength, as it has right; had it power as it has manifest authority: it would absolutely govern the world.’ This innate gift from God must be followed, it is the ultimate authority, and it is never wrong.

Hierarchy of Human Nature Joseph Butler Hierarchy of Human Nature Conscience Principles of reflection Approve or disapprove of our actions Impulse of Self-Love and Benevolence selfishness and selflessness Drives No thought of consequences.

Joseph Butler Some Questions Is conscience reason or emotion? It doesn’t matter, it’s God-Given and so must be observed! If conscience identifies God’s Will, why do some people commit evil? Evil comes from blinding one’s conscience. God wills it?

The purpose of conscience Joseph Butler The purpose of conscience To guide us to a happy life. Eudaimonia! Harmonise self-love and benevolence. Love thy neighbour!

Joseph Butler Strengths Weaknesses Cannot be mistaken as it is God-given, therefore we must listen to it. Very clear and straightforward. Weaknesses Does not explain how we know what our conscience is and how we listen to it. Does not explain why people do evil if we have an infallible conscience which is God-given.

John Henry Newman (1801-1890) Originally an Anglican priest and Oxford academic. Left the Church of England in 1845 and was received into the Roman Catholic Church where he became a Cardinal. Key work: ‘Grammar of Assent’ published in 1870.

John Henry Newman (1801-1890) The Voice of God When a person follows conscience he is simultaneously and mysteriously following a divine law. Letter to the Duke of Norfolk (1874)

Conscience and Intuition John Henry Newman Conscience and Intuition Conscience is a ‘messenger’ of God speaking to us. It is an innate and direct order from God. When we make moral decisions or feel intuition, that is God’s voice. At its best conscience detects truth. It is always right.

John Henry Newman ‘If, as is the case, we feel responsibility, are ashamed, are frightened, at transgressing the voice of conscience, this implies there is One to whom we are responsible, before whom we are ashamed, whose claims upon us we fear.’ The Grammar of Assent (chapter 5)

John Henry Newman Strengths Simple and easy – the conscience is always right so you cannot make the wrong decision by following it. It overrides all other influences (or should!) so there is no issue of knowing what to follow. Weaknesses Some people may use this to their advantage and say their conscience ‘told them’ to do something immoral. Does not explain how we know what our conscience is, or how to use our intuition.