Conscience

Definition

Conscience is an internal sense of right and wrong that guides an individual's moral decisions and actions. It often reflects a person's values, beliefs, and ethical standards, influencing how they perceive moral dilemmas and social responsibilities. Within allegorical works, such as the one discussed, conscience plays a crucial role in exploring themes of morality, justice, and the human condition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Piers Plowman', conscience is personified as a character who guides the protagonist in making ethical decisions and understanding his responsibilities towards others.
2. The text explores the tension between individual desires and social obligations, emphasizing how conscience compels individuals to act for the common good.
3. Conscience in this work reflects the medieval Christian framework, where moral choices are intertwined with religious beliefs and the fear of divine judgment.
4. Characters in 'Piers Plowman' frequently struggle with their consciences, highlighting the internal conflicts faced when confronting societal norms versus personal morals.
5. The portrayal of conscience is not just about personal morality; it also serves as a critique of social injustices, calling attention to the need for collective ethical action.

Review Questions

• How does the character of Conscience influence the decisions made by the protagonist in 'Piers Plowman'?
  • The character of Conscience acts as a guiding force for the protagonist in 'Piers Plowman', helping him navigate moral dilemmas. Conscience encourages him to reflect on his actions and consider their impact on society. By representing a voice of reason, Conscience pushes the protagonist to pursue justice and altruism, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making in response to societal issues.
• In what ways does 'Piers Plowman' use the theme of conscience to critique contemporary social injustices?
  • 'Piers Plowman' uses conscience to highlight the moral failings of society by contrasting characters who follow their conscience with those who do not. This critique reveals how societal norms can lead individuals astray from ethical behavior. The text emphasizes that true morality involves listening to one's conscience and acting against injustice, thereby challenging readers to reflect on their own social responsibilities.
• Evaluate how the concept of conscience in 'Piers Plowman' reflects broader themes of morality and social responsibility during the medieval period.
  • The concept of conscience in 'Piers Plowman' embodies critical themes of morality and social responsibility that were prevalent during the medieval period. It illustrates how individual moral compasses were shaped by religious beliefs and societal expectations. By depicting characters grappling with their consciences in light of ethical challenges, the text prompts readers to consider their roles in fostering justice and equity in society, ultimately pushing for a more conscientious approach to communal living.

Related terms

Allegory: A narrative technique in which characters and events symbolize broader moral or political meanings, often used to convey social criticism.

Moral Responsibility: The obligation of individuals to act ethically and make choices that consider the welfare of others, reflecting their conscience.

Divine Judgment: The belief that one's actions will be evaluated by a higher power, influencing the way individuals consider their moral choices and the consequences of their actions.