Mahatma Gandhi Archives - Protection of Conscience Project Library

Betrayal of conscience

Jeanine Young-Mason

Extract
. . .It behooves us always to strive to understand and search for the roots of other’s humanity without which we are left with dangerous assumptions and fear. All violence breeds tragic consequences for the victims and for the perpetrators who are betraying the consciences they have been given. In sum, the tragedy is not that the perpetrators have no conscience but that they are by their actions betraying the conscience they have in denying the humanity of others.

Young-Mason J. Betrayal of conscience. Clin Nurse Spec. 2011 January;25(1):49.

The Silence of Good People and Non-cooperation with Evil: A Response to Prof. R. Alta Charo

Sean Murphy

Responding to: Charo RA. The Celestial Fire of Conscience – Refusing to Deliver Medical Care N Eng J Med 352:24, June 16, 2005

Extract
It is especially noteworthy that, in an essay about the exercise of freedom of conscience by health care workers, Professor R. Alta Charo has virtually nothing to say about freedom or conscience (The Celestial Fire of Conscience- Refusing to Deliver Medical Care. N Eng J Med 352:24, June 16, 2005). “Conscience clauses,” yes: conscientious objection, to be sure: and she mentions acts of conscience and the right of conscience. But nothing about freedom, and, on the subject of conscience itself, the most she can muster is, “Conscience is a tricky business.”

Murphy S. The Silence of Good People and Non-cooperation with Evil: A Response to Prof. R. Alta Charo [Internet]. Protection of Conscience Project; 2005 Aug 19.