The phenomenon of conscience as an ethical category

The phenomenon of conscience was originally regarded as one of the main ethical categories philosophically interpreted as a conscious moral evaluation of actions. Conscience, along with consciousness, is the focus of attention of both science and religion because it has been initially explained from a religious perspective. Many scientists tried to understand the essence and origin of this category. Every philosopher investigated the nature of conscience based on his/her own approach. Previously, the researchers treated this phenomenon as a personal regulatory mechanism and failed to focus on the objective participation of conscience in the implementation of public scrutiny. Based on the analysis, the author reveals that personal behavior is determined by social rules, traditions. Gaining the experience of social relationships, a person also acquires knowledge about moral and behavioral rules. Person’s actions, views, and convictions are controlled by the conscience that involves the understanding of what is proper and right. While studying the philosophical category of conscience which forms the basis of social being, the author concludes that it is necessary to develop various moral education programs for the younger generation. In this regard, one should consider the concept of conscience providing the harmonious functioning of the value system. There are different approaches to defining this multifaceted concept in modern studies, but they all agree that conscience is the basis of the spiritual and moral development of a person and society as a whole.