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Single Idea 21786

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / c. Ethical intuitionism ]

Full Idea

Conscience is the expression of the absolute title of subjective self-consciousness to know in itself and from within itself what is right and obligatory, to recognise only what it knows as good, and that what is thus known is right and obligatory.

Gist of Idea

Conscience is the right of the self to know what is right and obligatory, and thus make them true

Source

Georg W.F.Hegel (Elements of the Philosophy of Right [1821], 137), quoted by Stephen Houlgate - An Introduction to Hegel 08 'The Problem'

Book Ref

Houlgate,Stephen: 'An Introduction to Hegel' [Blackwell 2005], p.193


A Reaction

[compressed] This is the sort of rabbit-out-of-the-hat move that Hegel loves, and I find implausible. Mill made the key point about conscience.

Related Idea

Idea 3769 With early training, any absurdity or evil may be given the power of conscience [Mill]