Paul Strohm - Conscience. A Very Short Introduction [2011][A]

Book Description
Publication Date: June 14, 2011
Where does our conscience come from? How reliable is it?
In the West conscience has been relied upon for two thousand years as a judgement that distinguishes right from wrong. It has effortlessly moved through every period division and timeline between the ancient, medieval, and modern. The Romans identified it, the early Christians appropriated it, and Reformation Protestants and loyal Catholics relied upon its advice and admonition. Today it is embraced with equal conviction by non-religious and religious alike.
Considering its deep historical roots and exploring what it has meant to successive generations, Paul Strohm highlights why this particularly European concept deserves its reputation as 'one of the prouder Western contributions to human rights and human dignity throughout the world.'
Using examples from popular culture including the Disney classic Pinocchio, as well as examples from contemporary politics, he explores the work of thinkers such as Nietzsche, Freud, and Aquinas, to show how and why conscience remains a motivating and important principle in the contemporary world.
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Book Description II
From Cicero and Augustine through the middle ages and into the Reformation, this Very Short Introduction considers conscience as a matter of human rights and obligations, as well as an important issue in contemporary politics. Written by Paul Strohm, an eminent authority in the field and an engaging writer, this compact book provides a thought provoking introduction to a compelling topic. Arranged chronologically to focus on a series of important moments in the history of conscience--from Augustine's episode of conscience to the rise of conscience as a secular ideal--the volume explores a wide variety of texts and events, providing a concise introduction to the evolution of ideas and debates about conscience.

About the Author
Paul Strohm is the Anna Garbedian Professor of the Humanities at Columbia University.