Conscience and Its Enemies: A Critique of Moral Relativism

In a world where moral relativism is on the rise, it is more important than ever to have a strong understanding of conscience. Conscience is the inner voice that tells us what is right and wrong, and it is an essential part of our moral compass. Without conscience, we would be lost in a sea of moral uncertainty, unable to determine what is right or wrong.

Conscience and Its Enemies: Confronting the Dogmas of Liberal Secularism (American Ideals & Institutions)

by Robert P. George

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	675 KB
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In his book Conscience and Its Enemies, philosopher David Brooks makes a powerful case for the universality of conscience. He argues that conscience is not a product of culture or environment, but rather a universal human capacity that is rooted in our evolutionary history. Brooks draws on insights from philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience to show how conscience is essential for our ability to live in a just and humane society.

The Nature of Conscience

Conscience is a complex phenomenon that has been the subject of much debate among philosophers and psychologists. Some have argued that conscience is simply a product of socialization, while others have maintained that it is an innate part of human nature. Brooks argues that conscience is both innate and learned. He points to research showing that even young children have a rudimentary sense of right and wrong, and that this sense develops over time as we learn from our experiences and interactions with others.

Brooks also argues that conscience is not simply a matter of following rules. He points out that we often have to make difficult moral decisions in situations where there are no clear-cut rules to follow. In these cases, we must rely on our conscience to guide us.

The Enemies of Conscience

Conscience is a powerful force for good, but it can also be undermined by a variety of factors. Brooks identifies four main enemies of conscience:

1. Ignorance: The first enemy of conscience is ignorance. When we do not know what is right or wrong, we cannot act in accordance with our conscience. It is therefore important to educate ourselves about moral issues and to develop a sound understanding of morality.
2. Fear: The second enemy of conscience is fear. Fear can prevent us from speaking out against injustice or from ng what we know is right. We must learn to overcome our fear and to stand up for our beliefs, even when it is difficult.
3. Self-interest: The third enemy of conscience is self-interest. We often have a tendency to put our own interests ahead of the interests of others. Self-interest can lead us to compromise our principles or to ignore our conscience altogether.
4. Sin: The fourth enemy of conscience is sin. Sin is any action that violates our moral code. When we sin, we damage our conscience and make it more difficult to hear its voice. It is important to confess our sins and to seek forgiveness from God so that we can restore our consciences.

The Importance of Conscience

Conscience is a precious gift that we should cherish and protect. It is our guide to moral living and our source of moral authority. Without conscience, we would be lost in a sea of moral uncertainty, unable to determine what is right or wrong. We must all strive to live in accordance with our conscience, even when it is difficult. Only then can we create a just and humane society for all.

Call to Action

If you are interested in learning more about conscience, I encourage you to read David Brooks's book Conscience and Its Enemies. This book is a powerful and persuasive defense of the universality of conscience and its importance for moral living. I believe that this book will challenge your thinking about morality and help you to develop a stronger moral compass.

I also encourage you to visit the website of the Conscience and Its Enemies project. This website contains a wealth of resources on conscience, including articles, videos, and podcasts. I hope that you will find these resources helpful as you seek to learn more about conscience and its role in moral living.

Conscience and Its Enemies: Confronting the Dogmas of Liberal Secularism (American Ideals & Institutions)

by Robert P. George

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	675 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	337 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE