Università Roma Tre

The course examines the concept of conscience from a historical, philosophical and legal viewpoint. The course is divided in three parts. In the first section, we will discuss the Christian concept of conscience and the role it played in the Protestant schism. In the second section, we will discuss the philosophical responses to religious conflict and religious pluralism. In the third section, we will focus on the implications for the law: to what extent can freedom of conscience be protected and whether or not we have a right to conscientious objection. Students will have the opportunity to read, discuss and write in English. The literature will cover historical, philosophical and legal texts. As a consequence, students will be exposed to a great variety of linguistic sources and will acquire both technical and general knowledge.