Moral Conscience and the Path to Ethical Autonomy

The Nature and Functions of Moral Conscience

Consciousness is the ability to realize something. Conscience is the ability to realize that some forms of life, values, or principles are more humanizing (i.e., morally better). The functions of moral conscience are:

• First: The ability to grasp the principles by which we distinguish between what is morally good and bad. Decision-making is necessary to move from general principles to concrete judgments about a given situation.
• Second: To formulate practical judgments, taking into account the general principles and details of the situation. The best way to understand what a moral principle requires is to try to implement it.
• Third: A self-critical function; it acts as a judge who praises some actions and disapproves of others, punishing the latter with remorse. Responsibility can only be discussed when it comes to free and conscious beings who have the ability to choose and the moral knowledge necessary to become masters of their actions.

Cosmological Determinism and Stoic Philosophy

The Stoics saw a need to find out the order of the cosmos. According to Heraclitus, everything is explained for some reason, and as the number of reasons cannot be infinite, there must be a primary reason—a common reason—which is the law governing the universe.

The Stoics took this cosmology from Heraclitus and understood that reason is the law of the universe and also destiny, as everything happens inevitably. The wise person will be the ideal, aware that any external happiness is in the hands of fate, trying to ensure peace of mind by becoming insensitive to suffering and opinions. This begins to open a distinction between two worlds: internal freedom and the outside world.

From Heteronomy to Autonomy: Kohlberg’s Theory

Kohlberg's theory begins with moral heteronomy and ends with moral autonomy, differentiating between three levels:

• Preconventional Level: This means the person does only what suits their interests. They are immature, selfish people who are led by their impulses and are, therefore, more heteronomous. Usually, they only understand what is right for themselves.
• Conventional Level: A person considers what is fair in line with the laws of their own society. They remain quite heteronomous because, even though they control their selfish impulses, they do so to adapt to the norms of their society. They believe that what is "just" is what is normal for their society.
• Postconventional Level: People distinguish between the rules of their society and universal moral principles. They are autonomous, and their knowledge is governed by their own conscience and principles universally recognized as binding. What is fair is defined by reasonable and thoughtful decisions. They are members of humanity, so justice is seen as essential global solidarity.