Seeking the Place of Conscience in Higher Education: An Augustinian View1

Religions

Ian Clausen¹  Scott McGinnis¹ 

[1] Theology Department, Valparaiso University, 1320 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA; E-Mail

关键词: augustine;    Confessiones;    conscience;    education;    Genesis 3;    grace;   

DOI  :  10.3390/rel6020286

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

This article explores the place of conscience in higher education. It begins by reconstructing the place of conscience in Augustine’s thought, drawing on Augustine’s reading of Genesis 3, the Psalms, and his own spiritual journey. Its basic aim is to clarify Augustine’s account of conscience as self-judgment, identifying the conditions under which self-judgment occurs. After identifying these conditions it addresses the question: does conscience still have a place in modern higher education? It acknowledges the real limitations and obstacles to moral education when pursued in the context of the modern research university. However, it also argues that moral education proceeds in stages, and that educators can anticipate and clear a way for the place of conscience—though not, of course, without reliance on the movement of grace.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.