Each person lives in a society and follows certain rules of behavior. Some rules are regulated by law, and others are a matter of personal and public morality. The formation of moral principles is greatly influenced by education, family relations, religion, environment, and culture. What seemed unacceptable and reprehensible some time ago may become the relevant norm. Any person goes through several stages of moral development at various stages of life. Principles can rapidly change under the influence of external factors (O’Shea, 2018). Conscience helps not to get confused about historical changes and to establish a strong moral compass. However, different people have a diverse understanding of the conscience concept.
Unfortunately, at school, I met many people who lacked an understanding of morality and responsibility to other people. I saw how classmates could insult a shy person for his appearance. Some of them spread rumors and intentionally worsened the quality of life of classmates who were too polite to get into a big fight. It is hard to understand the reasons for people’s random hatred and hostility towards each other. People can fully perceive only those emotions that they are capable of. The intentions strongly depend on their moral interpretation of the world.
Trying to change people with different morality and conscience is quite difficult. Most often, they are unable to comprehend the pain of others due to a lack of empathy or their trauma. The best strategy may be an open, honest dialogue with a transparent explanation of personal position. Instilling one’s conscience into someone else’s consciousness is impossible, but one can appeal to moral standards from a social point of view. Almost all people do not want to see themselves as evil heroes of history, so there is a chance for learning on their part.
Reference
O’Shea, T. (2018). Modern moral conscience. International Journal of Philosophical Studies, 582-600. doi:10.1080/09672559.2018.1497074