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

Title …   …   …   …     …   …   …    …   …   …   …     …   …     … i                                                                                                                 Certification    …   …   …   …   …     …   …   …   …     …   …   … ii

Dedication      …   …   …   …   …   …   …     …   …     …   …   … iii

Acknowledgment    …   …   …   …   …   …     …   …     …   …   … iv

A Brief Profile of St. Thomas Aquinas …   …     …   …     …   …   …   v

Table of Contents …     …   …   …     …     …     …    …     …   …   … vii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0                INTRODUCTION …   …   …     …   …   …   …       …       …     1

1.1.   Background of the Study …   …   …   …   …     …       …     …     3

1.2.   Statement of the Problem     …     …    …   …      …       …     …   4

1.3.   Aim of the Study…     …   …     …     …     …     …       …     …    5

1.4.   Scope of the Study     …     …       …   …     …     …       …     …     6

1.5.         Methodology of Research   …     …     …   …     …       …      …     6

1.6.          Division of Work …   …   …   …     …   …       …       …     …     7

 

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW  …   …   …   …   …     …     …     …     8

2.1. Views of Some Thinkers on Conscience …   …   …     …       …     …   8

2.1.1. Ancient   …     …     …       …       …       …     …     …     …   …   8

2.1.2. Medieval …     …     …       …       …       …   …     …      …   … 11

 

CHAPTER THREE

3.0. THE GENERAL CONCEPT OF CONSCIENCE     …   …     …   17

3.1.   Synderesis and Conscience …   …     …   …   …     …     …     …   21

3.2.   Kinds of Conscience …      …     …     …   …   …   …   …     …   23

3.2.1. Conscience in Relation to Objective Morality …     …     …     … 24

3.2.2. Conscience in Relation to Judgment of Action …     …     …       … 28

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0. AQUINAS’ NOTION OF CONSCIENCE      …     …     …   …   30

4.1. The Binding Force of Conscience …   …   …   …   …     …   …   37

4.2. The Problem of Error in Conscience     …   …   …   …     …     …   41

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0. CRITICAL EVALUATION AND CONCLUSION …     …     … 46

5.1. Critical Evaluation …     …     …     …   …     …   …     …     … 46

5.2. Conclusion   …     …     …     …     …     …   …    …       …     … 57

BIBLIOGRAPHY …   …     …     …