ABSTRACT
What Is Conscience? In The Descent of Man, Charles Darwin wrote that he “fully subscribe[s] to the judgment
of those who maintain that of all the differences between man and the lower animals the
moral sense of conscience is by far the most important” (in Ayala, 2010:9015). Darwin
viewed the conscience as he viewed every other human characteristic-as an evolved
adaptation. It hardly needs belaboring how possessing what the theologians like to think
of as “the voice of God” would have strong fitness benefits. It marks one as a person of
good character who desires to do the right thing and who is cognizant of the rights and
concerns of others. Individuals who demonstrate a sturdy conscience mark themselves
off as people who would make conscientious and agreeable mates, employees,
colleagues, and friends.
