History of ideas: Conscience - a short exploration
Journey through the evolution of the fascinating idea of conscience over the past 2,000 years. Explore ancient and modern understandings of this universal phenomenon, drawing on insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, theology and neuroscience.
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This half-day course will introduce and discuss theories of conscience that have been proposed throughout the last 2,000 years, from theologians, philosophers, psychologists, sociologists and neuroscientists.
What will we cover?
• The definition of conscience • Religion, philosophy and conscience • Modern psychology, sociology, neuroscience and conscience.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Outline multiple theories that attempt to explain the phenomenon of conscience. • Discuss strengths and weaknesses of different theories of conscience.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
•The course is introductory and therefore suitable for beginners – no prior understanding of conscience is necessary. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This will be a face-to-face, interactive lesson with group discussion and short individual written tasks. There will be optional additional reading suggestions but no mandatory work outside the class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
• Bring a pen and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please see City Lit's website for details of forthcoming courses.
Andrew has undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Theology and Ethics from the University of Oxford, and has taught at City Lit since 2017. He works in online education, and is the author of a number of publications about religion, morality and healthcare. Most recently he wrote 'The Meaning of Dignity: What's Beneath the Assisted Dying debate?' for Theos think tank. He has appeared as a speaker and panellist on BBC One, radio and at the Oxford Literary Festival.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/history-of-ideas-conscience-a-short-exploration2815926History of ideas: Conscience - a short explorationhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/21st-century-anthropology-1024.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Religion & belief/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas22851177120214041228511771404Journey through the evolution of the fascinating idea of conscience over the past 2,000 years. Explore ancient and modern understandings of this universal phenomenon, drawing on insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, theology and neuroscience.002815860History of ideas: Conscience - a short exploration7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/21st-century-anthropology-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-06-06T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHRS527979History of ideas: Conscience - a short exploration635179Andrew Greyhistory-of-ideas-conscience-a-short-exploration/hrs52-2526Journey through the evolution of the fascinating idea of conscience over the past 2,000 years. Explore ancient and modern understandings of this universal phenomenon, drawing on insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, theology and neuroscience.0000-Available|2026-06-06 00:00:00This half-day course will introduce and discuss theories of conscience that have been proposed throughout the last 2,000 years, from theologians, philosophers, psychologists, sociologists and neuroscientists.Journey through the evolution of the fascinating idea of conscience over the past 2,000 years. Explore ancient and modern understandings of this universal phenomenon, drawing on insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, theology and neuroscience.• The definition of conscience<br/>• Religion, philosophy and conscience<br/>• Modern psychology, sociology, neuroscience and conscience.• Outline multiple theories that attempt to explain the phenomenon of conscience.<br/>• Discuss strengths and weaknesses of different theories of conscience.•The course is introductory and therefore suitable for beginners – no prior understanding of conscience is necessary. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.This will be a face-to-face, interactive lesson with group discussion and short individual written tasks. There will be optional additional reading suggestions but no mandatory work outside the class.• Bring a pen and paper.Please see City Lit's website for details of forthcoming courses.Philosophy, religion, & ideasReligion & beliefvirtual637951HRS52NONESat06/06/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetAndrew GreyBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-06-06T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities7979History of ideas: Conscience - a short explorationhistory-of-ideas-conscience-a-short-exploration/hrs52-2526Journey through the evolution of the fascinating idea of conscience over the past 2,000 years. Explore ancient and modern understandings of this universal phenomenon, drawing on insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, theology and neuroscience.0000-Available|2026-06-06 00:00:00This half-day course will introduce and discuss theories of conscience that have been proposed throughout the last 2,000 years, from theologians, philosophers, psychologists, sociologists and neuroscientists.Journey through the evolution of the fascinating idea of conscience over the past 2,000 years. Explore ancient and modern understandings of this universal phenomenon, drawing on insights from psychology, sociology, philosophy, theology and neuroscience.• The definition of conscience<br/>• Religion, philosophy and conscience<br/>• Modern psychology, sociology, neuroscience and conscience.• Outline multiple theories that attempt to explain the phenomenon of conscience.<br/>• Discuss strengths and weaknesses of different theories of conscience.•The course is introductory and therefore suitable for beginners – no prior understanding of conscience is necessary. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than specific levels of skill.This will be a face-to-face, interactive lesson with group discussion and short individual written tasks. There will be optional additional reading suggestions but no mandatory work outside the class.• Bring a pen and paper.Please see City Lit's website for details of forthcoming courses.Philosophy, religion, & ideasReligion & beliefconfigurable
