Final answer:
The statement that only conscientious people have moral theories is an oversimplification. Morality and ethical theories are influenced by reason, conscience, and social instincts and apply to a broader range of individuals than only the conscientious.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 'only conscientious people have moral theories' warrants a discussion about the nature of morality and its relation to human consciousness and behavior. Ethics and morality have long been subjects of intense debate, with theories and discussions spanning across different domains like philosophy, psychology, and sociology. Ethical theories provide frameworks for understanding what motivates moral actions and how moral judgements are formed. The claim seems to suggest a direct correlation between being conscientious and the development of a moral theory.
From a philosophical standpoint, many suggest that ethical theories can be analyzed through the lens of reason, conscience, and social instincts. Enlightenment philosophers emphasized reason as a methodical process that uses evidence and logic to derive moral principles independently of religious beliefs. Moreover, the role of individual conscience as an inner sense of right and wrong forms another cornerstone in the understanding of morality.
However, critics point to several issues within established moral frameworks. For instance, Immanuel Kant's theory is challenged for its application only to rational agents, excluding non-humans or mentally incapacitated humans. Additionally, there's the possibility of conflicts between different ethical theories or duties which cannot be easily resolved. It's also noted that moral reasoning does not always translate into moral behavior, highlighting a distinction between what individuals profess and what they practice. This distinction suggests that morality is perhaps not confined to the conscientiously aware or reflective, but is also expressed through social instincts and behaviors shaped by natural selection and communal living.
In summary, the development and application of moral theories are not exclusive to conscientious individuals. A broad spectrum of factors contributes to our understanding and enactment of morality, which includes but is not limited to reason, conscience, and social instincts.