Conscience and Other Virtues

From Bonaventure to MacIntyre

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Good & Evil, Ancient, Mind & Body
Cover of the book Conscience and Other Virtues by Douglas  C. Langston, Penn State University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Douglas C. Langston ISBN: 9780271073361
Publisher: Penn State University Press Publication: December 12, 2000
Imprint: Penn State University Press Language: English
Author: Douglas C. Langston
ISBN: 9780271073361
Publisher: Penn State University Press
Publication: December 12, 2000
Imprint: Penn State University Press
Language: English

Conscience, once a core concept for ethics, has mostly disappeared from modern moral theory. In this book Douglas Langston traces its intellectual history to account for its neglect while arguing for its still vital importance, if correctly understood.

In medieval times, Langston shows in Part I, the notions of "conscientia" and "synderesis" from which our contemporary concept of conscience derives were closely connected to Greek ideas about the virtues and practical reason, although in Christianized form. As modified by Luther, Butler, and Kant, however, conscience later came to be regarded as a faculty like will and intellect, and when faculty psychology fell into disrepute, so did the role of conscience in moral philosophy.

A view of mature conscience that sees it as relational, with cognitive, emotional, and conative dimensions, can survive the criticisms of conscience as faculty. In Part II, through discussions of Freud, Ryle, and other modern thinkers, Langston proceeds to reconstruct conscience as a viable philosophical concept.

Finally, in Part III, this better grounded concept is connected with the modern revival of virtue ethics, and Langston shows how crucial conscience is to a theory of virtue because it is fundamental to the training of any morally good person.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Conscience, once a core concept for ethics, has mostly disappeared from modern moral theory. In this book Douglas Langston traces its intellectual history to account for its neglect while arguing for its still vital importance, if correctly understood.

In medieval times, Langston shows in Part I, the notions of "conscientia" and "synderesis" from which our contemporary concept of conscience derives were closely connected to Greek ideas about the virtues and practical reason, although in Christianized form. As modified by Luther, Butler, and Kant, however, conscience later came to be regarded as a faculty like will and intellect, and when faculty psychology fell into disrepute, so did the role of conscience in moral philosophy.

A view of mature conscience that sees it as relational, with cognitive, emotional, and conative dimensions, can survive the criticisms of conscience as faculty. In Part II, through discussions of Freud, Ryle, and other modern thinkers, Langston proceeds to reconstruct conscience as a viable philosophical concept.

Finally, in Part III, this better grounded concept is connected with the modern revival of virtue ethics, and Langston shows how crucial conscience is to a theory of virtue because it is fundamental to the training of any morally good person.

More books from Penn State University Press

Cover of the book Sacred Plunder by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book Freedom and the Cage by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book A History of Argentina in the Twentieth Century by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book Christine de Pizan and the Fight for France by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book Rhapsody of Philosophy by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book Infertility by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book Alchemical Belief by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book Sentiments of a British-American Woman by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book A Spiritual Home by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book From Apartheid to Democracy by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book The Evolving Citizen by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book Beyond the Aesthetic and the Anti-Aesthetic by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book An Inch or Two of Time by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book Constitutive Visions by Douglas  C. Langston
Cover of the book Terms of Response by Douglas  C. Langston
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy