Guide to moral decision making Conscience Guide to moral decision making
Conscience Conscience is not A feeling A theoretical act
Conscience Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby a human judges whether a particular act is right or wrong according to an ethical point of view. Conscience is “the soul of the soul.” (Origen) Conscience is rooted in the truth
Arguments for the existence of conscience Experience of our senses Rational discernment Moral reflection Profound personal experience Universal testimony
Divisions of conscience Based on time of decision Antecedent – before action Concomitant – at the same time as the action Consequent – after the action
Division of conscience True (correct) conscience Erroneous conscience – decides from false principles considered as true Vincible ignorance – can be overcome Invincible ignorance – cannot be overcome by reasonable diligence
Division of conscience Scrupulous conscience – judges an act as wrong when it is not Lax conscience – makes moral judgments with insufficient reflection
Formation of conscience Acceptance of moral teaching Knowledge of Christian life and doctrine Prayer and meditation Spiritual direction Personal examination
Importance of conscience One is obligated to follow his/her conscience. Conscience is not infallible; in order to act “in good conscience” one must first seek to know what is truly good.