In light of their similar sounds, “Conscience vs. Conscious” is commonly used interchangeably. They signify somewhat different things, though. A person’s internal feeling of good and wrong is called their conscience. The voice in your head is the one that informs you if what you are doing is right or wrong. The term conscious implies “aware” or “alert.” It describes the condition of being mindful of your surroundings and awake.
Let’s have a deeper look into the psychology of Conscience vs. Consciousness
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Table of Contents
Difference between Conscience vs. Conscious
Conscience is an inherent moral compass that guides behavior and helps people choose right from wrong. It’s vital for moral development and decision-making, affecting an individual’s actions and morality. Various factors influence consumer behavior, including parents[2], caregivers, peers, and teachers in early childhood.
Psychologists have proposed many theories about conscience’s origins and function. Freud’s view says that conscience is part of the superego, a moralistic portion of the personality that develops throughout childhood. Freud believed the superego internalizes social norms and expectations and judges an individual’s conduct.
Others emphasize how conscience is influenced by cognitive development[3]. They contend that humans develop their ability to think abstractly and consider consequences as they age. They have a higher mental capacity, which allows them to make moral and ethical decisions.
However, conscience is not always infallible. It can be influenced by biases, emotions, and environmental pressures, leading to actions that may contradict one’s moral compass. Additionally, individuals may repress or dismiss their conscience to achieve personal benefit or avoid unpleasant consequences.
Here are some examples of how conscience can manifest itself in our lives:
- Feeling guilty after cheating on a test.
- Feeling proud after donating to charity.
- Struggling with whether or not to lie to a friend.
- Feeling compelled to speak out against injustice.
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What Does Conscious Mean?
Being conscious is being aware of your ideas, feelings, and surroundings. It’s like being present and aware of what’s going inside and outside you.
Some experts say being able to communicate your ideas about something makes you conscious. Consciousness changes constantly. This can change depending on our mental state, physical environment, and social relationships.
Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, felt awareness was the highest and most aware mind level. It contains our thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and experiences in the moment.
Freud believed that most mental processes are subconscious and that conscious awareness is only a minor part.
Freud developed the topographic model. This paradigm separates the mind into conscious, preconscious, and unconscious layers.
Despite our unconscious knowledge, Freud believed the unconscious mind strongly influences our behavior.
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Conscience vs. Conscious
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between consciousness vs. conscience:
| Feature | Conscious | Conscience |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Adjective | Noun |
| Definition | Aware or alert, Mental Awareness | A person’s inner sense of what is right and wrong, Moral Awareness |
| Example | “She was unconscious after the accident.” | “I had a guilty conscience after I cheated on the test.” |
To help you remember the difference between Conscience vs. Consciousness, think of the following:
- Consciousness has to do with being aware of your surroundings.
- Conscience has to do with your moral compass.
the connection between Conscience vs. Consciousness
Human morality requires consciousness and conscience. Consciousness lets us see the world and understand our actions, while conscience helps us make the right choice. We cannot live ethically without consciousness vs. conscience.
How to Find Your Sense of Self in an Unconscious World
Finding your identity in a society where people are constantly busy can be difficult. First, focus on the values and passions that make you feel a certain way.
Consider your experiences and the lessons they have taught you. Take advantage of your alone time to connect with your inner thoughts. Asking difficult questions and recognizing your strengths and places for improvement will help you become more self-aware.
Be in the company of encouraging people and relationships that reflect who you are. Rediscovering your sense of self in an unconscious world requires a combination of self-reflection, conscious decision-making, and a dedication to remaining faithful to your path.
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The dark side of not having a conscience
When there is no conscience, the moral compass is shadowed or confused. Without it, people can walk down a dark path without empathy or ethical boundaries. This gap might result in destructive behavior that lacks regret or responsibility. The wrong side of not having a conscience affects people individually and in society when there is a moral void.
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Some tips to Develop a Stronger Conscience
Developing a stronger conscience is about becoming more aware of your values and acting in ways that align with those values. Here are a few tips to help you develop a stronger conscience:
- Make time for self-reflection. Spend time each day reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Ask yourself questions like: Was I honest today? Did I treat others with respect? What could I have done differently?
- Identify your values. What is important to you in life? What principles do you want to live by? Once you know your values, you can start to make decisions that align with them.
- Accept responsibility for your actions. Nobody is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. But when you make a mistake, take responsibility for it and try to learn from it.
- Do the right thing, even when it’s complicated. Standing up for what you believe in can be difficult, but it’s essential to do the right thing, even when it’s unpopular.
SOURCES:
- Cote, S. M. Sex Differences in Types of Aggressive Behaviors: Do Women Have a Higher Level of Conscience Than Men? In: W. Koops, D. Brugman, T. J. Ferguson, A. F. Sanders. The Development and Structure of Conscience. New York: Psychology Press; 2010: pp. 287–309.
- Kochanska G, Aksan N. Children’s conscience and self-regulation. J Pers. 2006;74(6):1587-1617. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.2006.00421.x
- The role of consciousness in cognitive control and decision-making
