value of conscience

• what is the value of the conscience as the voice of God?

  it may not be valuable if there is no way of knowing if the voice we're hearing is God
• why else may the conscience as the voice of God not be valuable?

  if there's no way of knowing why there are seemingly conflicting messages that people are receiving
• what is the value of the conscience as internalised values?

  the conscience would seem to unite society, because its members have shared values which the conscience enforces
• however...? (value of the conscience as internalised values)

  this could be dangerous if the society has the wrong values
• what is the value of the conscience as kohlberg's individualised conscience?

  it would be valuable as it shows the conscience is uniquely human, giving a strongly rational account
• however...? (value of the conscience as kohlberg's individualised conscience)

  not everyone is capable of it
• what is the value of aquinas' reason-based conscience?

  it shows that the conscience is uniquely human, as well as emphasising that humans are autonomous
• however...? (value of aquinas' reason-based conscience)

  it is not infallible - so it is not sufficient alone
• what is the value of the conscience as feelings of guilt?

  it shows that the conscience acts as a "warning" and can help to guide our conduct
• however...? (value of the conscience as feelings of guilt)

  it may lead to feeling guilt about things we shouldn't (e.g. being gay)
• what is the value of the conscience as a guide?

  it may be valuable as it guides us and helps us to reflect on our conduct
• however...? (value of the conscience as a guide)

  the subjective nature of the conscience may undermine its value and causion against reliance