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What does it mean to be morally conscious?

Kelfuma

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I am confused as to what it means to be conscious of both evil and goodness - to be able to discern both.
 
It is just an expression meaning to be aware if what the moral decision is, no matter if you make that decision for whatever you are facing or even if it is your decision to make.
 
If you're looking for a textbook answer, I can't give you one.


I can however, give you my own, in accord with the parameters you laid down:




Life and the world are complex. The result of actions we take are not always immediately apparent. Sometimes we may seek to do good, and the end may be ill for some... other times we may seek ill and accidently benefit someone.


I'd say that being morally conscious in the sense you define it, is having an awareness of this complexity, and caring about it, and an appreciation that we do not always know where the results of our actions will land when we intervene in someone else's life. Such a person will try to consider the unintended consequences that might accrue to his actions, and how it may affect others who may not seem to be directly involved, or bear on future events that may come to pass.

Such a person would typically be slow to intervene and cautious to give advice, until they felt they understood the situation as completely as possible. Rather than the person who tosses some money at the problem to salve their conscience, this would be the person who gathers information and thinks things through carefully before committing to a course of action.



"Advice is perilous, for even the wise cannot know all ends." - Elrond :)
 
If you're looking for a textbook answer, I can't give you one.


I can however, give you my own, in accord with the parameters you laid down:




Life and the world are complex. The result of actions we take are not always immediately apparent. Sometimes we may seek to do good, and the end may be ill for some... other times we may seek ill and accidently benefit someone.


I'd say that being morally conscious in the sense you define it, is having an awareness of this complexity, and caring about it, and an appreciation that we do not always know where the results of our actions will land when we intervene in someone else's life. Such a person will try to consider the unintended consequences that might accrue to his actions, and how it may affect others who may not seem to be directly involved, or bear on future events that may come to pass.

Such a person would typically be slow to intervene and cautious to give advice, until they felt they understood the situation as completely as possible. Rather than the person who tosses some money at the problem to salve their conscience, this would be the person who gathers information and thinks things through carefully before committing to a course of action.



"Advice is perilous, for even the wise cannot know all ends." - Elrond :)

That is really good. I observed that truly wise men never give advice unless it is asked for. You're basically saying that being morally conscious simply means trying your best to understand the situation before committing yourself right? And when you commit yourself, does it mean you try your best to do what you think is right?
 
Philosophically you begin with a definition of terms: good, bad, and evil. But what is probably most relevant to the average conversation is this phrase: "tabula rasa." Academia continues to press the issue of a tabula rasa when in fact "morality" has biological relevance, and presence, in this thing of "consciousness." It's morally conscious versus "blank slate."

This might lead us to Decartes, which is an equation that can be reduced, etc. From beginning to end, it gets really deep, far deeper than most critical thinkers are willing to venture.
 
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That is really good. I observed that truly wise men never give advice unless it is asked for. You're basically saying that being morally conscious simply means trying your best to understand the situation before committing yourself right? And when you commit yourself, does it mean you try your best to do what you think is right?



If one's purpose is to do that which one sees as morally right, yes. Truly doing the "right thing", in a way where you have the best possible chance of forcing a positive outcome, can be a very complicated and long-term commitment involving personal sacrifice and ongoing involvement for a long time... maybe a lifetime. It's much harder than just throwing some money at a problem and hoping that makes it better as you walk away, which is the more common method people choose when confronted by a difficult situation with no easy solutions.

Of course, doing what is morally right is not a priority for everyone...
 
I am confused as to what it means to be conscious of both evil and goodness - to be able to discern both.

I agree, use more precise language, if you want to be more precise. Someone saying "morally conscious" probably has no idea what they are saying/writing...it's not your burden to figure it out IMO. This is true in most fields, but is especially irksome in any field that has little reason to be rigorously scientifically validated, or by its nature isn't easily verified with science.

When you choose to do something, keep in mind whether or not it's good or bad. Seems like common sense.
 
I agree, use more precise language, if you want to be more precise. Someone saying "morally conscious" probably has no idea what they are saying/writing...it's not your burden to figure it out IMO. This is true in most fields, but is especially irksome in any field that has little reason to be rigorously scientifically validated, or by its nature isn't easily verified with science.

When you choose to do something, keep in mind whether or not it's good or bad. Seems like common sense.

I went through a crisis (that involved the authorities) a few months ago and I'm still feeling its aftershocks. I get the feeling that many people thought what I did was bad or absolutely insane or that it was an unfortunate "accident" but I feel like what I did was right according to what I believe.
 
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