Anacletus, I. Ogbunkwu (2015) Conscience as an Alternative to Hobbesian Social Contract: an Anthem from Kant. Flash: Journal of Philosophy and Religion, 2. pp. 34-59.
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Abstract
This paper aims at appraising Kant’s idea of conscience with the goal of determining the extent to which Kant’s presentation can boost the use of conscience as a subjective norm for better compliance to objective morality, duty and law as a better alternative to Hobbes’ Social Contract. Using the methods of Historical Analysis and Hermeneutics, this paper examines Hobbesian Social Contract noting that the supposed transition from the State of Nature to a state ruled by law has not brought the needed change as unbridled disregard to law and impunity still reigns supreme from both sides of leadership and followership. Hence, Social Contract is defective prompting a search for an alternative. It is the desire to provide a workable system of bringing order to the society that this paper analysis Kant’s concept of conscience as an alternative to Hobbes’ social Contract. This paper explores Kant’s concept of conscience in relation to morality and feeling, Conscience as Internal Moral Court of Judgment, Conscience as a duty to oneself and the binding force of Conscience e. t. c. Appraisal of Kant’s concept of conscience reveals how the rule of conscience works better for cohesion in the society and respect to human rights much more than social contract does. The implication is that if the rule of conscience is promoted, it can help to achieve the needed change in the society. In essence, it holds that Kant’s idea contributes more meaningfully towards abating the State of Nature, promoting compliance to rule of law and morality without external cohesion and making life worth living than the social contract as proposed by Hobbes.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Arts > Faculty of Law > Faculty of Management and Social Sciences > Faculty of Education |
| Depositing User: | mrs chioma hannah |
| Date Deposited: | 17 Sep 2025 20:39 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Sep 2025 20:39 |
| URI: | http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5535 |
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