"In an era of confessional conflict, the conscience stood as a powerful mediator between God and man, directing and judging moral actions. The contributors to this volume depart from previous historical work on the subject by discussing in depth the practical application, as well as theoretical discussion of the conscience. Their contributions convey the breadth of the conscience's jurisdiction, analysing its impacts on politics, religion, science, and understanding of gender and sexuality. This collection demonstrates how individuals resolved ethical problems in these areas through applying the methods of casuistry, the branch of theology devoted to resolving difficult moral cases. However, the collection also uncovers the ways in which casuistry itself was challenged by newer sources of moral guidance, such as the law. Together, the contributors to this volume raise fundamental questions about the accuracy of current historical understandings of the conscience and casuistry in the early modern period."--BOOK JACKET.