Conscience
Conscience is considered as the little voice in us that gives advice and command on what to do
in a certain situation. It expresses the obligation of a person on choosing what is right. It is a
command from the heavens above.
- It’s what makes you feel good when you do something kind or feel guilty when you do
something hurtful.
- Conscience helps guide your decisions and actions, encouraging you to act in ways that
are fair and responsible.
Felicidaz Lipio
- a notable author in the Philippines, known for her work on moral and religious topics,
particularly related to conscience.
- In her teachings, Lipio explains that conscience involves both reflection on actions and
the feeling of obligation to do what is right based on moral judgments.
1. Kailangang matapat at masunurin ang isang tao sa paggalang sa katotohanan
- Do what is right
- Choose and value the truth
2. Seek God regularly and always pray.
- Peaceful mind and heart
Because of our conscience we have the ability to decide and act for ourselves that can
affect our life.
Levels of Conscience
1. Natural Feelings and Reaction
- It starts when we are young, when we are dependent on the warnings and guidance of
our parents and even the people around us.
2. SuperEgo
- A conscience will mold through the help of the person in authorities or person with power
(teacher and police)
3. Moral conscience
- Matured conscience
- Your inner voice that tells you what is right and wrong.
Elements of Conscience
1. Reflection
- Is the process of thinking deeply about our actions, choices, and their consequences
- helps us think critically about our decisions and their moral implications.
2. Feelings
- It involves evaluating a situation and considering the moral implications of what we’ve
done or about to do; provides emotional feedback on our actions, guiding us to act in
ways that align with our values
- provides emotional feedback on our actions, guiding us to act in ways that align with our
values
Parts of Conscience
1. Moral Judgment ( about deciding )
- in the goodness and badness of the act
- is when you decide if something is right or wrong. It’s about judging actions or
behaviors.
Ex. You think lying is wrong
2. Moral Obligation ( feeling responsible to act )
- in doing what is good and avoiding what is evil.
- is what you feel you should do because it’s the right thing. It’s your sense of duty.
Ex. You feel you must return a lost wallet because it’s the right thing to do.
Ignorance ( lack of knowledge or awareness )
- Means not knowing or being unaware of something
- When someone doesn't know something or doesn’t have the right information.
Ex. If you don’t know the rules of a game, you are ignorant of those rules.
Ignorance can be either good or bad, depending on the situation. It isn't always good or bad—it
depends on the situation and what you're ignorant about :
Bad: Ignorance can be harmful when it causes people to make poor decisions or hurt
others because they don't know important information.
Example: Ignoring safety rules can lead to accidents.
Good: Sometimes, ignorance can protect you from stress or worry when knowing too
much would cause unnecessary fear or anxiety.
Example: Not knowing about an upcoming surprise party might keep you happy and
excited.
Two kinds of Ignorance :
1. Vincible ignorance
- ignorance will surpass if there is an effort to educate oneself.
2. Invincible ignorance
- there is no way or effort that a person can do to surpass ignorance.