THE ROLE OF
“CONSCIENCE”
IN MAKING
ETHICAL DECISIONS
 What
is a conscience?
 Are some people born without one? Are
we all born without one?
 Are all consciences “created equal”?
 To what extent are consciences shaped
by the attitudes and values of our
culture?
 Can we do anything to develop our
consciences or are they “fixed”?
 Is conscience actually “God speaking
directly to you”?
I
would willingly “earn money under the
table” – babysitting, roofing for a friend
for cash, milking for a neighbor for cash
on special weekends off, etc.
 I would NEVER drink any amount and
then drive.
 I would drink under the age of 21 even
though it’s illegal.
 I would take a few supplies from work –
paper clips, a few sheets of printing
paper – items that cost the employer
very little.
 I would take an occasional sick day just
cuz I need some time off.
So, is conscience a good
“guide” for moral behavior?
LAWRENCE KOHLBERG
1927-1986