by
Vitala Peter Yabba, SDB
THE CONSCIENCE
“Conscience” is one of the determinant factors that informs making the distinction between being human and being a beast. A human being is a living organism, who, by virtue of the anatomical structure, is undeniably part of the animal kingdom. There are certain characteristics that set humans apart from other creatures. Being a beast can mean different things, depending on the context; here it is used to denote one who is inhuman. Different philosophical scholars agree that conscience is a vital aspect of humanity. Though it does not dictate actions, but rather serves as a moral reminder of what humans ought to do. Socrates, for example, stressed the importance of listening to one’s inner moral voice for a meaningful life. Similarly, Immanuel Kant saw conscience as an inner moral judge that evaluates one’s intentions and actions.
From a Christian perspective, conscience plays a crucial role in morality. It is not just a psychological feeling but an inner moral awareness, through which humans perceive the voice of God. The Fathers of the Church described conscience as an inner witness placed in the human soul by God. However, our conscience is not an automatic impetus that often dominates our behaviour; rather, it seeks attention and a willingness to listen. When we repeatedly silence our conscience, its voice weakens over time.
MOTIVES OF SILENCING CONSCIENCE.
There are many reasons for silencing the inner voice. Some of these reasons are highlighted below:
• The pursuit of personal interests could lead one to ignore moral principles in the pursuit of wealth, fame, power or pleasure. When these ambitions outweigh ethical considerations, one’s conscience often justifies harmful actions.
• The fear of punishment is another factor that sometimes leads people to act against their conscience. This is because they fear rejection or punishment. On such occasions, they rationalize their behaviours as necessary for survival or success.
• Repeated immoral actions can also desensitise a person. The more one engages in wrongdoing, the easier it becomes to ignore one’s conscience. People often make excuses to justify their actions. By convincing themselves that their behaviour is acceptable, they effectively silence their conscience.
THE ACTIONS
When the inner voice is silent, the consequences of one’s actions tend to be dishonesty and deception. Such individuals often lie or manipulate to achieve their goals, especially by prioritizing personal gain over truth. They tend to exploit others as means to their own ends. They, therefore, show little concern for the well-being of those they use.
Accordingly, empathy will be lost when the inner voice is silenced. This is because a silent conscience diminishes the ability to feel compassion. The suffering of others becomes insignificant or unnoticed. Corruption and abuse of power will emerge in positions of authority. One who ignores their conscience may engage in corruption, bribery, or misuse of power. Similarly, taking responsibility will be difficult because one who silences the conscience always avoids accountability for their actions. They blame others or external circumstances instead. Over time, they may become indifferent to issues of right and wrong, treating morality as irrelevant. The actions of one who silences the inner voice are numerous; the above are just a few among them to help us understand a bit of the actions of a beast.
AT LAST
Silencing the inner voice reflects a gradual departure from moral integrity. One may achieve temporary success, or avoid immediate consequences, but the long-term effects are deeply damaging, both personally and socially. The conscience serves as a vital guide, ensuring harmony, justice, and trust within society. Therefore, it is crucial to listen to and nurture one’s conscience, as it remains one of the most powerful tools for maintaining the right moral behaviour and building a just and compassionate world.
Vitala Peter Yabba is a student of the Don Bosco Institute of Philosophy, Ibadan, Nigeria