2007-06-13 08:00:18 · 11 answers · asked by t_a_m_i_l 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
First of all, Yahoo put me in this category.
2007-06-14 02:14:34 · update #1
If any person were to have a beating heart and a functioning brain, but no conscience, that person would be some sort of zombie. I believe that everyone has a conscience. Some are terribly desensitized or conditioned by experiences or their own actions, but I think that it is obvious that even a young baby has a knowlege of right and wrong up to their ability to understand what is going on. It makes sense to me that the conscience is there - ready - before the brain has even developed to understand its surroundings.
2007-06-13 08:22:25 · answer #1 · answered by berryinhiding 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
According to most native American religions, a baby does not acquire a soul until after birth. When the baby acquires a soul, the eyes are opened. Any answer to this is strictly going to be based on faith, and obviously answers will vary.
The other question is addressed by science.
Many child psychologists believe that self-awareness doesn't develop until somewhere in the first year after birth. This seems to develop as the baby discovers that Mom comes and goes, but he's always there. There also seems to be some connection to toilet training, as the child learns that he and his feces can be separate things.
A person born with Prader-Willi Syndrome generally has little or no conscience. One of the most prominent symptoms of PWS is a lack of satiety - the person feels like he is starving to death. Others who are constantly needy tend to have little or no conscience. Thus, it would appear that conscience is contingent on a surplus of resources, and that at birth, we are unconscionable.
So no matter whether you mean "conscience" or "conscious", the answer would be "no".
2007-06-13 15:18:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
First off, this question probably should be in the philosophy section.
Secondly, this question is at the basis of the pro-life/pro-choice debate, and doesn't really have an answer.
As my own personal opinion, I'd say yes (even if only because of principle). For instance, does a baby have a heart, brain, and soul? I'd answer Yes. If a baby can be born a week premature, does it still have all of these things? My answer is once again Yes. How about a month premature? Yes again. How far back can you push this logic? In my mind and heart, I say all the way to conception.
2007-06-13 15:06:47 · answer #3 · answered by tatonkadtd 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
There is no cardiac connection to sentience. The brain requires another year's growth ex-utero before it does anything interesting. There is no soul.
No defective child should suckle the public exchequer or insurance monies until one year of age. Any parents wishing to lend succor to their defective reproduction can pay for it out of their own wallets. Do not invest in mistakes, destroy them.
Invest in the Gifted. Their brains hold every possible *desirable* future.
2007-06-13 15:23:25 · answer #4 · answered by Uncle Al 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No - and I don't have a problem with this Q being under Science & Math. It's all relative.
Soul is there before and after the physical body.
Conscience - a little harder to tell, I kinda believe that it goes with the soul.
The heart & brains is how we are able to experience this life.
Very good question!
2007-06-13 15:42:37 · answer #5 · answered by CoronaGirl 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The hard and fast TRUTH is (whether or not you ar pro-choice or whatever), the TRUTH is that the heart begins beating 21 days after CONCEPTION!!!!. The other answer to this question is whether or not the mohter has a soul and conscience so as not to abort.
2007-06-13 15:08:48 · answer #6 · answered by Mickey 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The soul is already formed. Consciousness occurs with awareness and a few other things. Consider the state of unconsciousness.
2007-06-13 15:09:03 · answer #7 · answered by Jack 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I believe that's the case, dear. to Jon McC it's not incoherent-just not well worded. I liked the way you put heeltap in his place
2007-06-13 17:09:31 · answer #8 · answered by 2cute4u 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the conscience is a learned trait and that the soul is a delusion.
2007-06-13 15:08:42 · answer #9 · answered by oldhippypaul 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
I am very far to the left but I believe God's at work when a child is conceived.
2007-06-13 15:16:23 · answer #10 · answered by lek 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋