The Threshold of Conscience: A Radical Challenge for Education in Theological Ethics … and Beyond

Abstract

In this article I propose that the phenomenon of conscience, as understood in Catholic theological ethics, functions as a threshold concept within that discipline. As such, it shares the characteristics identified by Meyer and Land [2006a. “Threshold Concepts and Troublesome Knowledge: An Introduction.” In Overcoming Barriers to Student Understanding: Threshold Concepts and Troublesome Knowledge, edited by J. Meyer and R. Land, 3–18. Hoboken: Taylor & Francis] as pertaining to threshold concepts, and thereby presents substantial challenges for education within theological ethics. The article begins by analysing conscience as a threshold concept. It then puts forward a teaching intervention which is informed by threshold concepts theory and other relevant pedagogical research.

KEYWORDS:

• Threshold concepts
• conscience
• education
• moral education
• ethics

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daniel J. Fleming

Daniel J. Fleming (BTh Hons Class 1, PhD) is Academic Dean and Senior Lecturer in Theology and Ethics at The Broken Bay Institute in Sydney, Australia.