VOICE OF CONSCIENCE TO CRISIS OF CONSCIENCE

1.Context

For the UPSC, the terms such as Voice of Conscience and Crisis of Conscience is their assessment tool for whether the candidate is capable enough to recognise and appreciate that there is an innate and incorruptible faculty in all human beings called the ‘conscience’ and later identify as the source and the guide for ethical human conduct

2. Voice of Conscience

The voice of conscience is an inner voice that judges our behavior. It is often described as a "still, small voice" that speaks to us when we are about to do something wrong. The voice of conscience can help us to make ethical decisions and to live in accordance with our values.

The voice of conscience is not always easy to hear. It can be drowned out by our own desires, by the pressure of others, or by the noise of the world around us. However, if we are willing to listen, the voice of conscience can be a powerful guide in our lives.

There are many different ways to listen to the voice of conscience. Some people find it helpful to meditate or to pray. Others find that talking to a trusted friend or family member can help them to hear their inner voice more clearly. Still others find that simply taking some quiet time for reflection can help them to connect with their conscience.

Whatever method you choose, the most important thing is to be open to hearing what your conscience has to say. It may not always be what you want to hear, but it is always what you need to hear.

3. Crisis of Conscience

A crisis of conscience is a situation in which a person is faced with a moral dilemma. They are torn between two or more courses of action, each of which has its own ethical implications. This can be a very difficult and stressful situation, as the person may feel like they are being pulled in two different directions

There are many different factors that can lead to a crisis of conscience. Some common examples include:

Being asked to do something that you believe is wrong.
Being faced with a choice between two equally undesirable options.
Having to choose between your own personal interests and the interests of others.
Being forced to make a decision that will have a negative impact on someone else.

This crisis becomes the crisis of governance and hits the hope of the last person in any democracy. It also creates an environment where nobody wishes to take ownership of failure or deadlock in the decision-making. The lack of conscience creates that void and the loss of voice. In such situations when people look towards bureaucrats to become a voice for their troubles or understand their pain and sufferings, a crisis appears

Example:

During the pandemic time, people across the world tried to save the world. There was no space for the crisis of conscience. It was the only Voice of Conscience across. With all kinds of noise, humanity was heard with deeper forms of consciousness. But later again there are a lot of examples across the globe where the crisis of conscience is looming large

3. Voice of Conscience to Crisis of Conscience

A crisis of conscience occurs when we feel conflicted between our own personal desires and the dictates of our conscience. This can happen when we are faced with a difficult moral choice, or when we have done something that we know is wrong. A crisis of conscience can be a very stressful and anxiety-provoking experience.

The voice of conscience and a crisis of conscience are two sides of the same coin. The voice of conscience helps us to make ethical decisions, but it can also lead to a crisis of conscience when we are faced with a difficult moral choice.

Here are some examples of how the voice of conscience can lead to a crisis of conscience:

A soldier is ordered to kill innocent civilians. The soldier's conscience tells him that it is wrong to kill innocent people, but he is afraid of disobeying orders.
A doctor is asked to perform an abortion. The doctor's conscience tells her that abortion is wrong, but she is afraid of losing her job if she refuses.
A politician is offered a bribe in exchange for voting for a certain bill. The politician's conscience tells him that it is wrong to accept a bribe, but he is afraid of losing the election if he refuses.

The crisis of conscience may challenge us, but it is through this struggle that we find growth and transformation. It is through the guiding light of the voice of conscience that we navigate this tumultuous terrain, forging a path of integrity, compassion, and justice. As we embark on this journey, let us listen attentively to the voice of conscience, for it holds the wisdom to navigate the crisis of conscience and lead us towards a more ethical and enlightened existence

For Mains: 1. Conscience and Ethical decision-making go hand in hand. Comment

Source: indianexpress

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VOICE OF CONSCIENCE TO CRISIS OF CONSCIENCE

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