Can you prove that you have a conscience?

Question

Please provide facts. This one is for everybody.

There was going to be a follow up Question to this, but "Regius Filius Deus" has given such a great response to this one that I think it would be redundant to ask it now.

Answer 1

In the case of non-observable entities, the best one can do is to present the same kinds of evidence that might be tried in a court of law, and then through the process of cross examination and deductive reasoning you would have to reach a verdict.

Among the evidences I could provide would include:
* eye witness testimony of my confessions of wrong doing
* eye witness testimony of change in behavior after confrontation
* lie detector tests which show an increase in pulse, respiration, etc, when I told a lie


These sorts of examples could be multiplied, but they would never fit under the category of "proof;" rather, they provide evidence for the possible existence of a conscience. Some could argue that the evidence was faked, but to do this would require significant effort and collusion on the part of many people, some of whom are antagnostic to me. After presenting a series of such evidence, you, as a member of the jury, would have to decide if I was guilty of possessing a conscience or not.

This same kind of thinking can be extrapolated to demonstrate the existence of God. Evidence can be shown which hints at, but does not prove, the existence of God. The problem arises when the judge, prosecutor or defense is prejudiced and will not allow the admission of certain evidence in the fear that it might influence the trial adversely. In other words, people will sometimes shut their ears to certain evidence, because if they heard it, they would have to accept the view they oppose.

Answer 2

I have criminal leanings. If you've ever walked around a store or a bank, and thought it would be so easy to take this or that, then you do too. But except for one experience when I was a kid, I've never followed through with the temptation. I get a sick feeling in my gut, because even if I don't get caught it wouldn't be worth my peace of mind. Plus I've hurt people, and my conscience never lets me forget it. And I instinctively protect the helpless because my conscience controls my unconscious reactions.

Answer 3

I feel bad if I do something that hurts someone, whether they know or not, and whether it was intentional or not, it's a very definite feeling, not just a rationalisation. So I try to avoid doing such things.
Does that count I wonder. It's true but I can't prove it.

Answer 4

A conscience is a philosophical and ideological construct, not a material object. Since it cannot be empirically demonstrated to exist, then no one can be proved to have one. The entire question is fallacious.

Answer 5

It is impossible to prove intangible concepts (love, trust, honor) exist in anything other than a metaphysical context.

We can only demonstrate conscionable (or unconscionable) behavior, and then assign the source to a part of the brain we label the "conscience."

Answer 6

I can prove rats have a conscience....http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070529/LIFESTYLE03/705290323/1040

Humans are one of hundreds of species that act against their own self interest for the good of another. Monkeys will forego food if by their eating another monkey is shocked. Elephants will adopt orphans at great personal cost.

How can I "prove" it's a conscience? Because you're acting against your own needs for the good of another, with no reward.

Answer 7

Sometimes I want to tell people that they are so absolutely stupid it makes me that much dumber just by breathing the same air as them. But I won't, because that wouldn't be nice.

Is that proof I have a conscience?

Answer 8

do you comprehend killing is misguided, do you comprehend that stealing is misguided, do you comprehend that sound asleep with yet another guy's spouse or sound asleep with a married guy is misguided, how do you comprehend those issues ? in case you have been born of God than you comprehend those issues, if an animal replaced into harm, might you sense compassion for it. then you definately are born of God. have you ever ask your self why you're, you and not somebody else ? have you ever felt you may not comprehend why there is plenty hatred in the international, why we gained't all basically get alongside ? Why human beings might take or scouse borrow some thing that belongs to somebody else. ? have you ever ask your self why human beings lie or are cheating : have you ever thought you have been in the incorrect physique ? have you ever puzzled ? we are all spirits residing in bodies, yet counting on who your "father/Father" is you comprehend those form of issues and why. in case you have been born of God the father, you have been born in His image and likeness, your spirit is the image and likeness of your Father, you have been made along with his be conscious. His be conscious additionally consists of His genuine commandments, that have been written on your heart whilst your spirit replaced into born. you comprehend and your heart marvelous from incorrect. in case you have self belief what's written on your heart, and produce it to your ideas, your brow, you comprehend the certainty, on the grounds which you sense of right and incorrect exhibit it to you. yet those born of the father, have been born in his image and likeness and that they're going to do issues they discovered from their father, yet there is just one Father who arts in heaven and there is just one Christ who made us.

Answer 9

I can place my hand into a lame and despite the pain willfully hold it there. I have done this before as part of a mental exercise.

I will ring your doorbell and run away!!!

Answer 10

conscience-A feeling of shame when you do something immoral. Conformity to one's own sense of right conduct.

Are these definitions not enough? You're telling me you havent experienced anything like this?