conscience
centrepoint of individual awareness of right or wrong, which may provide signals regarding what to do or not to do ("My conscience tells me I shouldn't do this"), or indicate regret at what has been done ("I feel bad about that"). Critics suggest that it is so variable from one culture to another, and between one individual and another, that it is unhelpful to rely on it in any way. In the Christian tradition dating back to Paul in the New Testament, and continually reaffirmed over the centuries, conscience is the gateway to moral and religious awareness. Its freedom is now identied in the Universal Declarartion of Human Rights as warranting protection in every country and culture, and education of conscience is a fundamental priority. See: KEY CONCEPTS Conscience
See also:
Rights