Is it possible to train one's conscience?

Question

Or is it an "it is what it is" kind of thing...

Answer 1

Training one's conscience is actually fairly simple. It was instilled into each of us as children by the moral code presented by our parents and other influences in our early lives and is the basis by which we understand 'right and wrong'. But these are subjective values and only exist in terms of the society in which we live. For example, in Africa, it's expected that a man offer a guest in his home his wife to sleep with if he is staying overnight. Over here that would considered reprehensible, and certain people engaging in that activity would feel guilty about it afterwards. But as we know, there are some people who do operate in this way as a lifestyle and feels no pangs of shame or remorse at all, even though they may have been brought up to believe differently as children.
The answer to the question is actually (interestingly enough) in the Bible, where it is stated 'should a man commit a sin once he will feel it wrong, but not after committing the same sin twice, and after three times it becomes a habit'. Clearly the use of the word 'sin' here represents the conscience, and it's alteration through 'forcing' that behaviour which contradicts the moral code. So the answer to your question is 'Yes'.
Hope this is useful.

Answer 2

Good parenting is ongoing "conscience training." The web site below has good information for people whose children are at risk for conduct disorders. There are definitely people who need special help in learning moral sensitivity. From what I have read about this personality type, it's not that they are any less able to understand right and wrong than anyone else. They are different in that they are far less fearful of injury, pain, punishment, danger in general, than most kids, and more impulsive. These two traits lead them to do things that most people would not. Their need for stimulation and risk-taking and their difficulty in controlling themselves combine to override the voice of conscience. The current approaches treat the impulsivity and channel the physical courage into challenging physical activities. Essentially, if these kids have the chance to get tired out with activities that let them indulge their need for risk, they cool down enough to think about what they're doing and be receptive to guidance.

With adults who really have little or no conscience - diagnosed sociopaths and psychopaths - it has been found that conventional therapy is useless. If anything, it teaches them to be more effective predators. There is an experimental kind of cognitive therapy that aims to teach them to recognize and adhere to social rules that they don't subscribe to or understand. It doesn't try to develop a conscience, just a code of behavior. There's nothing conclusive about whether it really works.

Answer 3

Yes That is the duty of a human being. Animals eat sleep mate and defend and so do humans but we have the intelligence to question our existence and our relationship with God. The quickest way to come to full consciousness is to chant the Maha Mantra (the great mantra for deliverance from suffering and illusion) go to krishnaculture. for details or stephen-knapp. Read Bhagavad Gita As it is By Bhkativedanta Prabhupada to understand the purpose of human life so we can take hold of the reigns of our mind and follow conscience.

Answer 4

Yes. For example, in WWII, nazis trained their conscience to believe that they were the best people in the world.

Training one's conscience is very hard to do though, because you are aware of the fact that you are training your conscience. It is usually done in very extreme ways, like in WWII.

[I am not trying to sound discriminatory; it is only an example.]

Answer 5

It's probably possible...anything is possible. I've probably done it myself, but issues like this one lead me right back to second-guessing myself and my decisions and actions. When I find something that I like, for instance, the thought of it can make me do things that I wouldn't normally do, but I'm not ever one hundred percent sure what I would normally do. I think it has to do with that fine line between adoration and obsession, although I hesitate to put it that way.

This is a paradoxical question for me for sure! All I can say for certain is that I am what I am, for better or worse, and that everything I do is part of me, no matter how overboard I go.

Does that make any sense at all? My brain hurts..... :)

Answer 6

One's 'conscience' is borne of one's nature, is shaped by one's culture and is re-inforced by one's environment, and exposure to the expression of ethical situations and is cemented usually from a young age.

Cognitive behaviour therapy can modify the impact of one's conscience, but conscience is fixed around puberty.

Answer 7

I think you can train your subconscious to have an effect on your conscious. It probably possible to train your current state of mind
to change your beliefs your habits your mindset you may be you but you can change your mindset about everyday life routines
etc.. All of this could change they war you perceive things so I guess that's your conscious to a degree.

Answer 8

I believe you can. People have been known to completely change their lives and that takes making conscious choices and changing your outlook. Your conscience grows and changes with you as you mature.

Answer 9

yes, i do believe that conscience can be cleaned, maybe not to train, but to 'touch' - it has feelings...

Answer 10

You can't train something you don't have.It's either there,or it isn't.Most people don't grow a conscience over night.