Sumienie w ujęciu Roberta Spaemanna

• Authors: Kożuchowski Józef

Title variants

EN

ROBERT SPAEMANN’S VIEWS ON CONSCIENCE

• Languages of publication: PL

Abstracts

EN

This analysis of the concept of conscience proposed by the outstanding contemporary German thinker Robert Spaemann focuses on several selected aspects: first, a look at this complex phenomenon from two sides, namely its negative aspect (what conscience is not) and positive (what conscience appears to be), then a juxtaposition with other contemporary theories, and finally an analysis in terms of its origin. This shows that Spaemann understands conscience in the classical spirit of Thomas Aquinas. It is not the source of moral law, nor does it appear to be an authority deciding what is morally good or bad, but rather it constitutes a binding moral judgement which takes the form of a call or an appeal. It is emphasised that conscience, seen in the perspective of its origins, is defined by Robert Spaemann, similarly to Viktor Frankl, as an innate ability, a tool for knowing good from bad. No researcher dealing with the philosophy of this eminent thinker has ever pointed out this similarity. The article emphasises and discusses the most original dimension of Spaemann's theory, i.e. presenting it as the most distinctive personal sign. The final considerations attempt to show why, in what sense, and under what conditions the question of conscience is connected with the question of mystery. This analytical aspect has not been directly addressed by Spaemann in his considerations, therefore the article attempts to complement his theory in this respect. Also, the author explains the originality of the German thinker's approach, and offers a concrete indication of where Spaemann's thinking coincides with that of Thomas Aquinas.

Keywords

EN

CONSCIENCE; TRUTH; GOOD; LAW; PERSON; MYSTERY

• Publisher: Polska Akademia Umiejętności / Uniwersytet Jagielloński
• Journal: Kwartalnik Filozoficzny
• Year: 2018
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 89-101

Contributors

author

Kożuchowski Józef

• Wyższa Szkoła Społeczno-Ekonomiczna, ul.Rajska6, 80-850 Gdańsk, Poland