I found this week’s reading to be particularly interesting given the fact that I was out of town at Mardi Gras in New Orleans all weekend. It is well-known for being a less than traditionally moral environment. I was faced with an abundance of choices of all kinds. Sometimes, however, it became a bit of a dilemma when the option became whether or not to pursue a night of crazy fun on Bourbon Street or to make what was probably the better decision. As I was reading up on Hegel’s “Morality” section, a certain concept really struck a chord with me. The idea that the conscience can determine what is right to do based on gut feelings and thinking through all the possible consequences really intrigued me. Do I dare have that other Hand Grenade if it means having to call my roommate at 5 AM to pick me up? Do I go spend the rest of the night with the adorable boy from New York despite having an adorable Valentine date waiting at home? My conscience certainly was in action this weekend. According to Hegel, the conscience can make anything seem morally right if you really think it through and build up a good argument. For example, I should really have that extra drink because I’m in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and I don’t know when I’ll be back. My conscience has proved to be incredibly helpful. If one doesn’t necessarily have a set moral plan for all situations (case in point) the conscience can really help to make the decision process easier. It must serve as the moral authority in each case where a set way of deciding isn’t ready. In the Guide to Hegel it says “ the individual who acts from conscience will look evil to others who abide by the established moral order”. I think this is so true. I have made some really sketchy decisions in the past and some of my more prudish or responsible friends have questioned my choices. Generally speaking, however, my conscience has served me well. I have very few regrets and the times I regret the most are times that my conscience was not my guide. Without a set rule for all potentially morally questionable situations, there is nothing else to do but listen to your conscience. It will fill the “moral void”. My advice is listen to that conscience, it is usually the best judge other than my best friend of what is the correct thing to do. And for those who were curious, yes I had the extra Hand Grenade and yes I went home alone and drove back up to Memphis just in time for my Valentine date. To quote both Marvin Gaye and Jiminy Cricket, “Let your conscience be your guide.”