crisis of conscience
Inner ethical struggle
A crisis of conscience is a moment of intense inner conflict about whether one's actions or beliefs align with one's moral principles.
It typically involves guilt, doubt, or the recognition that doing the right thing may require personal sacrifice: She had a crisis of conscience about testifying against her brother.
The phrase suggests a turning point where someone must choose between competing ethical demands.
- moral dilemmaChoice testing one's values
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
- inner conflictPsychological tension within oneself
- doubtLack of firm belief
conflicted · turmoil · anguish · soul-searching · sleepless nights · regret · dark secret · ethical · moral compass · torment · confession · betrayal · integrity · principles · sleepless · wrestling · shame · burden
- inner turmoilinner turmoil, inner conflict, inner struggle, self-doubt, indecision
- faith crisisdoubt, questioning faith, spiritual struggle, religious doubt, dark night of the soul
crisis of conscienceclear conscience
Freedom from moral guilt
peace of mind · moral certainty · moral clarity · self-assurance · conviction
crisis of conscienceamorality
Lacking ethical concern
callousness · willful ignorance · moral blindness · obliviousness · thoughtlessness
crisis of conscienceinner peace
Mental and emotional tranquility
serenity · tranquility · equanimity · contentment · composure
crisis, crises, critical, critically, criticality, critique, critic, criticism, criticize