Conscience
* Definition: An inner feeling or voice that acts as a guide for right and wrong conduct. It's a moral compass that helps us judge our actions and make decisions based on our values and beliefs.
* Examples:
* "My conscience wouldn't let me lie to her, even though it would have been easier."
* "He felt a pang of conscience when he realized he had forgotten to pay the bill."
Conscious
* Definition: Being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings. It refers to the state of being awake and alert to what is happening around you.
* Examples:
* "The patient is conscious but disoriented."
* "She was fully conscious of the danger, but chose to help anyway."
Key Differences
* Internal vs. External: Conscience is an internal sense of right and wrong, while consciousness is about being aware of the external world.
* Moral vs. Sensory: Conscience is concerned with morality and ethics, while consciousness deals with our sensory experiences and awareness.
* Choice vs. State: Conscience influences our choices, while consciousness is a state of being.
In a Nutshell:
* Conscience: The voice of your moral compass.
* Conscious: The state of being aware and alert.