The binding force of conscience in st. thomas aquinas
Table Of Contents
Chapter ONE
INTRODUCTION
- 1.1Introduction
- 1.2Background of Study
- 1.3Problem Statement
- 1.4Objective of Study
- 1.5Limitation of Study
- 1.6Scope of Study
- 1.7Significance of Study
- 1.8Structure of the Research
- 1.9Definition of Terms
Chapter TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
- 2.1Overview of Conscience in Philosophy
- 2.2Evolution of Conscience in Ethics
- 2.3Conscience in Religious Thought
- 2.4Theories of Conscience
- 2.5Conscience and Moral Decision Making
- 2.6Conscience and Society
- 2.7Critiques of Conscience
- 2.8Cultural Perspectives on Conscience
- 2.9Psychological Studies on Conscience
- 2.10Contemporary Debates on Conscience
Chapter THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- 3.1Research Design and Approach
- 3.2Data Collection Methods
- 3.3Sampling Techniques
- 3.4Data Analysis Procedures
- 3.5Ethical Considerations
- 3.6Research Limitations
- 3.7Reliability and Validity
- 3.8Research Assumptions
Chapter FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
- 4.1Overview of Findings
- 4.2Conscience and Moral Dilemmas
- 4.3Societal Impact of Conscience
- 4.4Cultural Variations in Conscience
- 4.5Ethical Implications of Conscience
- 4.6Psychological Perspectives on Conscience
- 4.7Comparative Analysis of Conscience
- 4.8Recommendations for Future Research
Chapter FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- 5.1Conclusion and Summary
- 5.2Recap of Research Objectives
- 5.3Key Findings Recap
- 5.4Implications of the Study
- 5.5Contributions to Knowledge
- 5.6Practical Applications
- 5.7Limitations and Future Research
- 5.8Closing Remarks
Thesis Abstract
Abstract
This research delves into the concept of the binding force of conscience in St. Thomas Aquinas' moral philosophy. St. Thomas Aquinas, a prominent medieval philosopher and theologian, developed a comprehensive ethical framework that continues to influence modern discussions on morality. Central to Aquinas' ethical thought is the idea of conscience as a moral faculty that directs human actions towards what is perceived as good and right. Conscience, for Aquinas, is not merely a subjective feeling or opinion but a rational judgment that derives from a correct understanding of natural law. Aquinas argues that conscience has a binding force on individuals, compelling them to act in accordance with moral principles. This binding force arises from the inherent nature of conscience as a reflection of the divine law within human beings. According to Aquinas, conscience is a participation in the eternal law of God, guiding individuals towards their ultimate end, which is union with the divine. Therefore, ignoring the dictates of conscience is tantamount to going against the divine will and disrupting the natural order of the universe. Moreover, Aquinas distinguishes between the erroneous conscience and the certain conscience. An erroneous conscience, based on mistaken judgment, does not excuse one from moral responsibility if the error is due to negligence or willful ignorance. In contrast, a certain conscience, formed through a correct understanding of natural law, carries a greater binding force on individuals. Aquinas emphasizes the importance of cultivating a well-formed conscience through education, reflection, and virtuous living to ensure that it aligns with objective moral truths. Furthermore, Aquinas addresses the issue of conflicting consciences, where individuals hold divergent views on moral matters. In such cases, Aquinas advises following the judgment of a certain conscience over an erroneous one, provided that the certain conscience is well-informed and grounded in moral principles. This underscores the primacy of adhering to objective moral norms over subjective preferences or societal conventions. In conclusion, the binding force of conscience in St. Thomas Aquinas' moral philosophy underscores the ethical imperative of heeding the dictates of a well-formed conscience in guiding human actions towards the good. By recognizing conscience as a participation in the eternal law of God, Aquinas provides a robust foundation for moral decision-making that transcends individual inclinations and societal norms.
Thesis Overview
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</p><p><b>Title</b><b> … … … … … … … … … … … … … … i Certification … … … … … … … … … … … … ii</b></p><p><b>Dedication</b><b> … … … … … … … … … … … … iii</b></p><p><b>Acknowledgment </b><b> … … … … … … … … … … … iv</b></p><p><b>A Brief Profile of St. Thomas Aquinas</b><b> … … … … … … … v</b></p><p><b>Table of Contents </b><b>… … … … … … … … … … … vii</b></p><p>CHAPTER ONE</p><p>1.0 <b> INTRODUCTION</b> … … … … … … … … … 1</p><p>1.1. Background of the Study … … … … … … … … 3</p><p>1.2. Statement of the Problem … … … … … … … 4</p><p>1.3. Aim of the Study… … … … … … … … … 5</p><p>1.4. Scope of the Study … … … … … … … … 6</p><p>1.5. Methodology of Research … … … … … … … 6</p><p>1.6. Division of Work … … … … … … … … … 7</p><p> </p><p><b>CHAPTER TWO</b></p><p><b>2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW</b> … … … … … … … … 8</p><p>2.1. Views of Some Thinkers on Conscience … … … … … … 8</p><p>2.1.1. Ancient … … … … … … … … … … 8</p><p>2.1.2. Medieval … … … … … … … … … … 11</p><p> </p><p><b>CHAPTER THREE</b></p><p><b>3.0. THE GENERAL CONCEPT OF CONSCIENCE </b> … … … 17</p><p>3.1. Synderesis and Conscience … … … … … … … … 21</p><p>3.2. Kinds of Conscience … … … … … … … … … 23</p><p>3.2.1. Conscience in Relation to Objective Morality … … … … 24</p><p>3.2.2. Conscience in Relation to Judgment of Action … … … … 28</p><p><b>CHAPTER FOUR</b></p><p><b>4.0. AQUINAS’ NOTION OF CONSCIENCE</b> … … … … 30</p><p>4.1. The Binding Force of Conscience … … … … … … … 37</p><p>4.2. The Problem of Error in Conscience … … … … … … 41</p><p>CHAPTER FIVE</p><p><b>5.0. CRITICAL EVALUATION AND CONCLUSION </b>… … … 46</p><p>5.1. Critical Evaluation … … … … … … … … … 46</p><p>5.2. Conclusion … … … … … … … … … … 57</p><p><b>BIBLIOGRAPHY … … … … </b></p>
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