cons - 3. Assess whether conscience is linked to, or separate from, reason and the unconscious mind

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

• Conscience is link to reason NOT the unconscious mind

- When using arguments from both Freud and Aquinas regarding there different opinions on conscience

Question 2

paragraph 1

Answer 2

Conscience comes from reason

• Conscience can be seen to link to reason as our moral views change overtime as well as differing between people (even from the same culture)
• Supported by Aquinas view on conscience (S+C)
• we all use our reason differently hence the different moral values
• HOWEVER, this can be seen as a weak argument as if moral judgements were linked to reason then there would be more moral agreements
  
  • Cultures vary differently – may not be seen if we it was from reason

Question 3

paragraph 2

Answer 3

• NOT A STRONG COUNTER – Piaget’s theory and Fromm’s humanistic conscience – we need to reflect and assess attitudes (developed over time)
  
  • So, can’t be explained by appeal to the unconscious
• IN ADDITION, if reason we are opening up what it is to be human
  
  • Aquinas – ability to reason is human nature and unique to us
  • Freud – nothing special about human nature – his is just evolution

Question 4

paragraph 3

Answer 4

Conscience does not stem from the unconscious mind

• Freud and Fromm – from scientific experiments conscience is a small part instinctive and subconscious reaction to authority
  
  • Explains why some do non-logical actions
• Moral ideas differ between society and upbringing – our mind is developed by our experiences which are trapped in our subconscious
• HOWEVER – you can’t fully trust Freud’s theory as his scientific theory cannot be falsified and was not carried out to show a range of different people
  
  • So, can’t use Freud to argue this
• no way to falsisy an appeal to the unconcious

Question 5

conclusion

Answer 5

• The conscience is link to reason but not the unconscience