Abstract:

In this study, opinions of Western and Islamic thinkers, as well as the considerations of Said Nursi (a thinker of modern times) upon the concept of conscience, are evaluated. The idea of conscience as mainstream is evaluated on two bases. One of them; its being an innate humanistic value, while the other is its being acquired later. While a lot of Western thinkers accept it as acquired, the majority of Islamic thinkers consider it as an existential humanistic value. While the expression “conscience” does not show up in The Qur’an, Said Nursi sees it as the root of the communication between man and Allah. Like Allah calls out to man through the Prophet, He also calls out to him through his conscience. For this reason, any means to reach an unspoiled conscience lies through the holy word. Allah, who administrates the universe with His will, influences conscience with His words and informs man about the proper behaviour befitting a human being. 

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