Question

How might implicit biases affect our conscience? In Chapter 4, Ruggiero (2014) claims that our conscience is a good starting place for moral judgments, but we should not rely exclusively on it, since it can lead us astray. Do you think the fact that we have implicit biases might support this claim? Why or why not? Can you think of other features of human psychology that might make conscience an unreliable guide to morality?

Answer 1

Implicit biases those biases that have great role in determining our personality, as it is beyond our conscious level or beyond our awareness. The structure of our personality consists of Id, Ego and Super ego. The Super ego which works on the unconscious level represents our conscience. It has a great role in decidng whether a particular response is right or wrong.   Stereotypical behaviour in indivuals are propelled by Implicit biases. Our attitude and behaviour are based on the these implicit biases which will affect our behaviours and judgements and will influence the conscience.

Conscience is a good starting point for moral judgements but cannot be claimed as fully reliable. Many times human beings will be biased without conscious knowledge. For example it is seen in studies that attractive people are always associated with intelligence without testing the fact. People who are less socialized are more prone to be influenced by Implicit biases.

Conscience is an unreliable guide to morality. In many situations people deviate from morality because of biases towards their goals . For example because of extreme pressure of competitive exams, candidates might resort to immoral conducts like copying. Hence implicit biases can make conscience an unreliable guide to morality and may lead to actions that are against their values and beliefs.