Assess the view that the workings of God are present in the conscience. [40 marks]
The question of whether the workings of God manifest within the conscience has sparked ongoing debates and
discussions within ethical discourse. The nature of the conscience is a complex and multifaceted subject that has
intrigued scholars and philosophers throughout history. While some argue that the conscience serves as a moral
guide influenced by divine intervention, others contend that it is a product of individual development and
societal influences. In order to fully explore this intriguing inquiry, it is necessary to delve into various
perspectives and psychological theories that shed light on the workings of the conscience and its potential
connection to divine influence.
One prominent viewpoint suggests that the workings of God are absent from the conscience, as its intricate
mechanisms defy control by a single entity. According to Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic framework, the mind
consists of the Id, Ego, and Superego. The Superego, responsible for moral judgement, operates retrospectively
and is shaped by external factors such as institutions, family, and friends. This situational shaping of the
conscience demonstrates its profound individuality, making it challenging to attribute its workings solely to the
influence of a higher power. For instance, individuals raised in different cultural and religious backgrounds may
possess vastly contrasting moral convictions, highlighting the unique nature of their consciences.
Furthermore, the advancement of scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of neuroscience, has provided
insights into the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying the conscience. Research has shown that
moral decision-making and ethical reasoning are closely associated with specific brain regions and cognitive
processes. This understanding suggests that the workings of the conscience can be explained by natural,
observable phenomena rather than being attributed to divine intervention. Neuroscientific findings offer a
compelling argument against the presence of God's workings within the conscience, as they point to a more
secular and empirical understanding of its operations.
However, proponents of the view that the workings of God are present in the conscience argue for a deeper
connection between divine influence and moral discernment. Thomas Aquinas, a prominent mediaeval
philosopher and theologian, put forth the theory of Natural Law, positing that the conscience is intricately linked
to the inner workings of God. According to Aquinas, the conscience is guided by principles such as "Eternal
Law," which represents the divine order of the universe, "Divine Law," which encompasses God's revealed
commands, and "Natural Law," which is rooted in human nature and rationality. This perspective suggests that
the conscience serves as a conduit through which individuals can access and align with divine moral principles.
Similarly, Joseph Butler, an influential philosopher and bishop, regarded the conscience as a supreme authority
inherent in human nature. Butler emphasised the conscience as a natural guide, capable of discerning moral
truths and principles. According to Butler, the conscience directs individuals as they make moral judgments
based on the principles of self-love and benevolence. This perspective suggests that the conscience possesses an
innate moral compass that is intimately connected to the divine, thereby supporting the notion of God's presence
within the conscience.
However, an alternative perspective challenges the notion of God's presence within the conscience, attributing
its development solely to individual and societal factors. Psychological theories shed light on the autonomous
progression of the conscience, independent of direct divine intervention. Jean Piaget, a renowned developmental
psychologist, proposed a theory of moral development that highlights the role of individual experiences and
cognitive development in shaping the conscience. Piaget's research demonstrates that moral growth occurs
through distinct stages, influenced by external factors during childhood and leading to the establishment of
personal rules and an understanding of societal norms. This perspective suggests that the conscience emerges as
a product of individual experiences and societal conditioning, devoid of direct divine influence.
