conflict of conscience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conflict of conscience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where one's moral beliefs or ethical principles are in opposition to a decision or action they are considering. Example: "She faced a conflict of conscience when asked to compromise her values for the sake of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Patients could access any legal service from a medical professional who does not assert a conflict of conscience.

The New York Times

This interdiction, never lifted, exposed Louis's adherents to a conflict of conscience while providing his enemies with a convenient excuse for disobedience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Written in intense and incisive prose, this brilliantly constructed play deals with a conflict of conscience at the court of an Italian prince.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It also gives insufficient recognition to the real conflict of conscience faced by a student who would have to choose whether to miss graduation or conform to the state sponsored practice, in an environment where the risk of compulsion is especially high.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She is also the author of Conflicts of Conscience in Health Care: An Institutional Compromise.

Columbia University

Her scholarly work focuses on the ethics of human subjects research and issues at the heart of the doctor-patient relationship, such as conflicts of conscience in health care.

Harvard University

First, bear with me while I make the obligatory pitch for my book, Conflicts of Conscience in Health Care, which is now a few years old, but the issues are still very much live.

Harvard University

Shall I bring them into conflicts of conscience?" If the Pope is "deeply saddened" by these utterances, why is he beatifying Pope Pius XII, the man responsible for such anti-semitic statements?

The Guardian

As family pride and the rule of kings clashes against various conflicts of conscience, this comic screams at the reader, "It's not as easy as punching the bad guys!" A must read for fans of Game of Thrones-level politics and back-stabbery.

Vice

Mr. Solzhenitsyn's era, he said, was "an obvious conflict between people of conscience and the authorities.

The New York Times

With the Vietnam War raging and protests roiling campuses across the country, Ray dramatizes his students' conflicts and crises of conscience.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conflict of conscience", ensure the context clearly establishes the conflicting values or principles. Provide enough information for the reader to understand the nature of the dilemma.

Common error

Avoid using "conflict of conscience" loosely for simple disagreements or preferences. It should be reserved for situations where deeply held moral or ethical beliefs are at odds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conflict of conscience" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of internal struggle where an individual's moral or ethical beliefs are in opposition to a particular action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through examples where it describes dilemmas in healthcare, politics, and personal ethics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conflict of conscience" is a noun phrase used to describe an internal struggle arising from conflicting moral or ethical beliefs. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use across different contexts. While not overly common, its use is accepted in academic, news, and encyclopedia settings. When employing the phrase, writers should ensure the context clearly explains the nature of the conflicting values. Alternatives such as "moral dilemma" or "ethical quandary" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral dilemma

Focuses on the situation where a choice must be made between two or more conflicting moral principles.

ethical quandary

Emphasizes a difficult or perplexing situation involving ethical principles.

moral struggle

Highlights the internal battle one faces when dealing with conflicting moral values.

conscience clash

Directly refers to the opposition between one's conscience and an external demand or situation.

ethical conflict

Broader term referring to a conflict arising from differing ethical standards or beliefs.

internal moral conflict

Specifies that the conflict is happening within an individual's moral framework.

moral predicament

Implies a difficult or dangerous situation that requires a moral decision.

ethical dilemma

Similar to moral dilemma but specifically emphasizes the ethical dimension of the conflict.

crisis of conscience

Focuses on a critical moment when one's conscience is challenged.

moral crisis

Refers to a period of instability or difficulty in making moral decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "conflict of conscience" in a sentence?

You can use "conflict of conscience" to describe a situation where someone's moral or ethical beliefs clash with a particular action or decision. For example: "The doctor experienced a "conflict of conscience" when asked to perform a procedure that violated his personal beliefs."

What is a situation that might cause a "conflict of conscience"?

A "conflict of conscience" might arise when a person is asked to compromise their values or act against their principles. This can happen in professional, personal, or political contexts.

What's the difference between "moral dilemma" and "conflict of conscience"?

"Moral dilemma" generally refers to a situation where there are multiple conflicting moral choices. "Conflict of conscience" specifically highlights the internal struggle within an individual when their conscience clashes with an external demand or situation.

Are there legal implications related to "conflict of conscience"?

Yes, in some professions, like healthcare, there are laws and policies related to "conscientious objection", which allows individuals to abstain from certain actions that violate their deeply held beliefs. However, these laws often have specific requirements and limitations.