By David Hegg
Several events around the nation have led pundits and observers alike to label specific actions “unconscionable.” The word defines what is considered unreasonable, unsuitable, or excessive. To engage in “unconscionable” activity is to go beyond the restraints of a reasonable person’s conscience.
The assumption is that a “societal conscience” sets our culture’s standard for reasonable behavior. We are hearing more and more about it. Manufacturing companies must have an “environmental conscience.” In contrast, those firms that handle our investments have a “moral conscience” that defines their fiduciary responsibility to use our money in a way that conforms to the highest standards of honest business practice. We expect our teachers to have a confident, conscientious attitude toward students, as must doctors toward patients. Each area of society still holds to a certain standard of behavior, and we often refer to it in terms of conscience.
But increasingly, specific displays of conscience are being condemned. When Harrison Butker, punter for the Kansas City Chiefs, dared to affirm that female........