Friday, September 11, 2009

Reason without a Conscience

This statement was made by a character in a show which I was watching just now.
A scientist was asked for the basis of his actions - the creation of a weapon, initially meant for the protection of earth against asteroids, and was later turned into a machine with a potential to wipe out the earth.

He said, "Don't blame science. The reason comes without any conscience."
I do not really know why that statement struck me.

I see Conscience as that feeling which may make us believe that certain actions, or failures of actions are inherently wrong. The feeling is innate...and when we do things against the conscience, feelings of guilt or remorse set it. Perhaps, it is a God-give ability in us to keep us humane.

However, our conscience is something that is 'shaped and moulded' by Knowledge. According to the theory of knowledge, when a child reaches the age of reason, he should be able to distinguish between what is right and wrong. In fact, Thomas Aquninas claim that conscience is the voice of reason. He claims that to act conscientiously is to act based on reason-based decisions.

Hmmm...
If that follows, why do I feel so uncomfortable with the premise given in that earlier story? Is it because it is getting so true...that reasons given...can be cold, detached and totally detached from emotions that were supposed to follow? That moral and ethical dilemmas have no basis or relevance anymore?

This is something I shall mull over.

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