“Every judgement of conscience, be it right or wrong, be it about things evil in themselves or morally indifferent, is obligatory, in such wise that he who acts against his conscience always sins.”
- 1225 – March 7, 1274
- Born in the Kingdom of Sicily (Italy)
- Theologian, philosopher
- A representative figure of scholasticism, who systematized the relationship between the doctrines of the Catholic Church and reason through his masterpiece, the Summa Theologica
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Quote
“Every judgement of conscience, be it right or wrong, be it about things evil in themselves or morally indifferent, is obligatory, in such wise that he who acts against his conscience always sins.”
Explanation
In this quote, Thomas Aquinas emphasizes the primacy of conscience in moral decision-making. He asserts that regardless of whether a person’s conscience is correct or mistaken, it remains obligatory for them to follow it. Aquinas is pointing out that the act of following one’s conscience—the inner sense of what is right or wrong—is central to moral integrity. To go against one’s conscience is, in his view, inherently sinful, because it involves deliberately acting against one’s own understanding of what is right, which reflects a breach in personal integrity.
Aquinas lived in a period when the concept of moral theology was being refined, and he contributed significantly to the understanding of human ethics. He believed that the conscience is the mechanism through which individuals discern moral truth. Even though one’s conscience may occasionally be misinformed or erroneous, the obligation to follow it remains, because it is the best guide a person has for determining right action. Aquinas held that the sincerity of one’s intentions and adherence to conscience are crucial for moral righteousness. This approach also implies the importance of properly forming and educating one’s conscience so that it aligns as closely as possible with moral truth.
In a modern context, Aquinas’s emphasis on conscience speaks to the importance of individual moral responsibility. Each person is called to act in accordance with their deepest moral convictions, even if those convictions are imperfect. For example, when making difficult ethical choices, people often rely on their inner sense of right and wrong, and Aquinas’s insight underscores the value of acting in harmony with that sense. However, it also suggests the need for ongoing reflection and education to ensure that one’s conscience is well-informed. This principle is especially relevant in a world filled with complex moral dilemmas, where individuals must navigate between personal beliefs and external influences, striving to make decisions that reflect their most genuine sense of morality.
