Confusions regarding Conscience in the Time of COVID

Abstract

The aim of this essay is to demonstrate three main points: (1) that many of the widespread appeals made to conscience in the time of COVID display little understanding of conscience’s fundamental nature; (2) that they assume for conscience a sacrosanct status it does not possess; and (3) that because of the first two points, conversation regarding conscience and COVID has generated considerable confusion. In support of these points, this paper (1) shows what conscience is, (2) employs St. John of the Cross’s examination of attachments to suggest that possession of a well-formed conscience is frequently a most difficult achievement, and (3) examines various expressions associated with the COVID debate to illustrate how much of the conversation has stemmed from or resulted in little real understanding.