The document discusses the formation and development of conscience. It outlines several principles that govern conscience, such as the obligation to form a right conscience and to follow one's conscience unless it is erroneous. It also discusses "reflex principles" that provide guidance for when one has an unresolvable doubt, favoring the lesser evil. Only a certain conscience is a correct guide to moral behavior. The document provides examples of reflex principles and integrates a Bible verse about conscience. It concludes with assessment questions about the importance of conscience.
The document discusses the formation and development of conscience. It outlines several principles that govern conscience, such as the obligation to form a right conscience and to follow one's conscience unless it is erroneous. It also discusses "reflex principles" that provide guidance for when one has an unresolvable doubt, favoring the lesser evil. Only a certain conscience is a correct guide to moral behavior. The document provides examples of reflex principles and integrates a Bible verse about conscience. It concludes with assessment questions about the importance of conscience.
The document discusses the formation and development of conscience. It outlines several principles that govern conscience, such as the obligation to form a right conscience and to follow one's conscience unless it is erroneous. It also discusses "reflex principles" that provide guidance for when one has an unresolvable doubt, favoring the lesser evil. Only a certain conscience is a correct guide to moral behavior. The document provides examples of reflex principles and integrates a Bible verse about conscience. It concludes with assessment questions about the importance of conscience.
Development of Conscience Learning Goals and Standards
Identify the different principles
that govern conscience; and Be able to follow and apply the principles of moral decisions; There are certain principles that form or govern conscience:
1. A person is obliged to form a right with an
unerring conscience
2. Everyone is obliged to follow his/her
conscience. 3. An individual is not permitted to follow erroneous conscience.
4. If a person with perplexed conscience finds it
impossible to ask for an advice, he/she should choose what seems to be lesser evil. He/She should follow the reflex principles. Reflex Principles are rules of prudence which do not solve doubts concerning the existence of a law, moral principle, or fact by intrinsic or extrinsic evidence. Instead they only indicate where, in cases of unresolvable doubts, the greater right is usually to be found and the lesser evil is to be feared, and which side, therefore, is to be favored as long as the doubt persist. The following are the Reflex Principles:
a. In doubt, the condition of the possessor is the
better.
b. In doubt, favor the accused; or (which one
comes to the same): crime is not to be presumed, but to be proved. c. In doubt, presumption stands on the side of the superior.
d. In doubt, stand for the validity of the act(e.g.,
the validity of the matrimonial bond[cf.CCC#1060] or the validity of an examination or an appointment to an office e. In doubt, amplify the favorable and restrict the unfavorable.
f. In doubt, presumption stands for the usual and
the ordinary (or follow the daily and ordinary experience). g. In doubt, favor the customary and hitherto approved.
h. A doubtful law does not obliged (i.e.,
presumption stands for liberty).
5. Only the certain conscience is a correct guide
to moral behavior. INTEGRATION Hebrews 9:14 "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" ASSESSMENT Essay Question (10 points each)
1.What do you think is the importance
of having a clear conscience? 2.How does conscience affect your day to day life? 3.Why did God give us a conscience? REFERENCES: Catechism of the Catholic Church Christian Morality in Contemporary Society by Esteban T. Salibay,Jr. Church Dogmatic by Karl Barth Vol. III New American Bible