Substitute for 'Strong Sense of Right and Wrong'

The question asks to find a single word that can replace the phrase "strong sense of right and wrong" as used in the context of Mahatma Gandhi's decision-making when confronted with injustice.

Understanding the Phrase

The phrase "strong sense of right and wrong" refers to a person's inner moral compass or principles that guide their judgment and actions. It signifies a clear understanding of what is morally acceptable and unacceptable.

Analyzing the Options

• aversion: This means a strong dislike or disinclination towards something. It doesn't relate to the moral judgment of right and wrong.
• enormity: This word typically refers to the great size, scale, or seriousness of something, often something negative like a crime or disaster. It's not related to moral principles.
• conscience: This refers to an inner feeling or voice acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one's behavior. It directly corresponds to having a "strong sense of right and wrong".
• disposition: This means a person's inherent qualities of mind and character, or a tendency to behave in a particular way. While related to character, it doesn't specifically mean the moral judgment aspect.

Connecting to Gandhi's Actions

The text highlights that Gandhi's decisions were shaped by his internal moral compass, not by external factors like law or convenience. This internal guide, the faculty that distinguishes between right and wrong, is precisely what the word conscience represents. Gandhi was known for acting according to his deeply held moral beliefs, making 'conscience' the most fitting substitute.

Conclusion

Based on the definitions and the context provided about Gandhi's principles guiding his actions, conscience is the most appropriate one-word substitute for "strong sense of right and wrong".