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20 May 2023
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AQA A-Level Religious Studies Conscience Notes PDF & Free Quizlet
Poppy
@poppy_vyjp
Page 2: More Theories and Religious Perspectives
This page continues exploring theories of conscience, including humanistic and religious viewpoints.
Fromm's Authoritarian vs. Humanistic Conscience
Erich Fromm distinguished between two types of conscience:
- Authoritarian: Internalized voice of disapproving society
- Humanistic: Intuitive knowledge of what enhances or destroys human life
Religious Perspectives on Conscience
Several religious thinkers viewed conscience as connected to God:
- Augustine: Conscience as God's innate voice in all souls
- Schleiermacher: Conscience as divine revelation
Quote: Augustine stated, "For when will they be able to understand that there is no soul, however wicked... in whose conscience God doesn't speak?"
Aquinas on Conscience as God-given Reasoning
Thomas Aquinas proposed that conscience is a God-given faculty of reasoning:
- Synderesis rule: All humans naturally seek good and avoid evil
- Conscience can be fallible but should be followed
Vocabulary: Synderesis refers to the innate principle in moral consciousness that directs one to good and away from evil.
Page 3: Butler's Theory and Evaluation
This page focuses on Joseph Butler's theory of conscience and its evaluation.
Butler's Theory of Conscience
Joseph Butler viewed conscience as a God-given faculty with specific characteristics:
- Reflective: Ability to consider past and future actions morally
- Intuitive: Works autonomously based on right and wrong
- Based on prudence and benevolence
Highlight: Butler emphasized the need for balance between self-love and love for others in moral decision-making.
Evaluation of Butler's Theory
Strengths:
- Recognizes the role of both self-interest and altruism in morality
- Aligns with the idea that following conscience leads to being a good person
Criticisms:
- Conflicts with Natural Moral Law's emphasis on fulfilling one's nature
- May lead to decisions that cause self-harm
Page 4: Additional Perspectives and Moral Decision-Making
This page briefly mentions additional perspectives on conscience and introduces the role of conscience in moral decision-making.
Fletcher's Situational Ethics
Joseph Fletcher viewed conscience as:
- Guided by the Holy Spirit
- Influenced by internalized societal values
Religious vs. Non-Religious Ideas of Conscience
The document categorizes the presented theories:
- Non-religious ideas: Theories 1-4
- Religious ideas: Theories 5-8
Highlight: This categorization helps distinguish between secular and faith-based approaches to understanding conscience.
Role of Conscience in Moral Decision-Making
The page introduces the topic of how conscience functions in making moral choices, which is likely explored further in subsequent sections.
Vocabulary: Conscience a level ethics refers to the study of conscience and its role in moral reasoning at the advanced academic level.
Page 4: Practical Applications of Conscience Theories
This page applies various theories of conscience to practical moral dilemmas, particularly focusing on lying and promise-breaking.
Definition: A lie is defined as a deliberate distortion of truth.
Example: The axe-murderer scenario demonstrates how Aquinas's approach allows for "evasive truth" in specific cases.
Highlight: Different theoretical approaches offer varying perspectives on handling moral dilemmas.
Vocabulary: Synderesis refers to the innate knowledge of basic moral principles.
Page 1: Theories of Conscience
This page introduces several key theories about the nature and development of conscience.
Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development
Lawrence Kohlberg proposed that moral reasoning develops through three main stages:
- Pre-conventional: Focus on punishment and obedience
- Conventional: Emphasis on interpersonal relationships and societal rules
- Post-conventional: Recognition of universal ethical principles
Example: The Heinz Dilemma is used to illustrate how individuals at different stages might approach a moral problem.
Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory of Conscience
Sigmund Freud viewed conscience as part of the superego, developing between ages 3-5:
- Id: Unconscious, basic needs
- Ego: Rational self
- Superego: Controlling, restraining self
Highlight: Freud saw conscience as an internalization of parental and societal expectations, not a divine voice.
Conscience as Social Conditioning
Emile Durkheim proposed that conscience is a product of social forces:
- God as a projection of society's power
- Collective conscience: shared beliefs and moral attitudes
Definition: Collective conscience refers to the common moral understanding shared by members of a society.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
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4.9/5
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4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
AQA A-Level Religious Studies Conscience Notes PDF & Free Quizlet
Poppy
@poppy_vyjp
Conscience and Moral Decision Making in Religious Studies - A comprehensive exploration of conscience theories, their applications, and implications for moral decision-making.
• Examines multiple perspectives on conscience including psychological, sociological, and theological approaches
• Analyzes key theories from thinkers... Show more
Page 2: More Theories and Religious Perspectives
This page continues exploring theories of conscience, including humanistic and religious viewpoints.
Fromm's Authoritarian vs. Humanistic Conscience
Erich Fromm distinguished between two types of conscience:
- Authoritarian: Internalized voice of disapproving society
- Humanistic: Intuitive knowledge of what enhances or destroys human life
Religious Perspectives on Conscience
Several religious thinkers viewed conscience as connected to God:
- Augustine: Conscience as God's innate voice in all souls
- Schleiermacher: Conscience as divine revelation
Quote: Augustine stated, "For when will they be able to understand that there is no soul, however wicked... in whose conscience God doesn't speak?"
Aquinas on Conscience as God-given Reasoning
Thomas Aquinas proposed that conscience is a God-given faculty of reasoning:
- Synderesis rule: All humans naturally seek good and avoid evil
- Conscience can be fallible but should be followed
Vocabulary: Synderesis refers to the innate principle in moral consciousness that directs one to good and away from evil.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Page 3: Butler's Theory and Evaluation
This page focuses on Joseph Butler's theory of conscience and its evaluation.
Butler's Theory of Conscience
Joseph Butler viewed conscience as a God-given faculty with specific characteristics:
- Reflective: Ability to consider past and future actions morally
- Intuitive: Works autonomously based on right and wrong
- Based on prudence and benevolence
Highlight: Butler emphasized the need for balance between self-love and love for others in moral decision-making.
Evaluation of Butler's Theory
Strengths:
- Recognizes the role of both self-interest and altruism in morality
- Aligns with the idea that following conscience leads to being a good person
Criticisms:
- Conflicts with Natural Moral Law's emphasis on fulfilling one's nature
- May lead to decisions that cause self-harm
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 4: Additional Perspectives and Moral Decision-Making
This page briefly mentions additional perspectives on conscience and introduces the role of conscience in moral decision-making.
Fletcher's Situational Ethics
Joseph Fletcher viewed conscience as:
- Guided by the Holy Spirit
- Influenced by internalized societal values
Religious vs. Non-Religious Ideas of Conscience
The document categorizes the presented theories:
- Non-religious ideas: Theories 1-4
- Religious ideas: Theories 5-8
Highlight: This categorization helps distinguish between secular and faith-based approaches to understanding conscience.
Role of Conscience in Moral Decision-Making
The page introduces the topic of how conscience functions in making moral choices, which is likely explored further in subsequent sections.
Vocabulary: Conscience a level ethics refers to the study of conscience and its role in moral reasoning at the advanced academic level.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 4: Practical Applications of Conscience Theories
This page applies various theories of conscience to practical moral dilemmas, particularly focusing on lying and promise-breaking.
Definition: A lie is defined as a deliberate distortion of truth.
Example: The axe-murderer scenario demonstrates how Aquinas's approach allows for "evasive truth" in specific cases.
Highlight: Different theoretical approaches offer varying perspectives on handling moral dilemmas.
Vocabulary: Synderesis refers to the innate knowledge of basic moral principles.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 1: Theories of Conscience
This page introduces several key theories about the nature and development of conscience.
Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development
Lawrence Kohlberg proposed that moral reasoning develops through three main stages:
- Pre-conventional: Focus on punishment and obedience
- Conventional: Emphasis on interpersonal relationships and societal rules
- Post-conventional: Recognition of universal ethical principles
Example: The Heinz Dilemma is used to illustrate how individuals at different stages might approach a moral problem.
Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory of Conscience
Sigmund Freud viewed conscience as part of the superego, developing between ages 3-5:
- Id: Unconscious, basic needs
- Ego: Rational self
- Superego: Controlling, restraining self
Highlight: Freud saw conscience as an internalization of parental and societal expectations, not a divine voice.
Conscience as Social Conditioning
Emile Durkheim proposed that conscience is a product of social forces:
- God as a projection of society's power
- Collective conscience: shared beliefs and moral attitudes
Definition: Collective conscience refers to the common moral understanding shared by members of a society.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user