Definition of conscience

The word "conscience" originates from medieval Latin, more specifically from the phrase conscientia liciti, which means "knowledge that something is right." The term translates into Old French as conciens, meaning "understanding" or "awareness," and eventually evolved into Middle English as conscience. The concept of conscience, however, dates back much further. It is rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly in the works of Socrates and Aristotle. In these writings, the term used to describe conscience is synesis, which means "perception" or "understanding." The English word conscience, which implies a moral duty or obligation, emerged in the late 14th century. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary cites a sermon by John Chadworth, an English religious reformer, as the first known usage of the term in the modern sense. He referred to the "conscience of man" as a "medicine for the soul" that guided moral decisions. As the Christian faith became dominant in Europe, the Catholic Church played a significant role in shaping the modern usage of the word conscience. Its teachings about the moral obligation to follow one's conscience, as long as it is guided by divine revelation, helped to consolidate the concept's current meaning. In contemporary times, conscience continues to feature prominently in fields such as philosophy, theology, and the social sciences, and has gained legal recognition as a protection for individuals' deeply held beliefs in various societies. Conscience refers to an individual's moral compass or sense of right and wrong, and it encourages individuals to act in accordance with their moral principles, regardless of external pressures.