ARBITRARY STANDARDS Meaning and
Definition
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Arbitrary standards refer to subjective criteria or rules that lack a rational or objective basis for their establishment. These standards are usually imposed without any clear reasoning or underlying principles, leading to decisions or judgments that appear to be random or inconsistent.
When applied to various fields or contexts, arbitrary standards can have negative consequences, as they often disregard relevant facts, evidence, or logical reasoning. They tend to rely solely on personal preferences, biases, or whims of the person or group enforcing them. Consequently, arbitrary standards can create an environment of unfairness, uncertainty, and inequality.
In legal contexts, for instance, arbitrary standards may pertain to discretionary law enforcement practices or unjustifiable regulations, where authorities act according to their own whims without consideration for equal treatment or established rules. In a social or cultural context, arbitrary standards can manifest in discriminatory practices or prejudiced judgments based on factors such as race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status.
The arbitrary nature of these standards makes it difficult for individuals to anticipate or adhere to them consistently, jeopardizing fairness and impartiality within various domains. As a result, efforts may be made to challenge and reform arbitrary standards, aiming for the establishment of more equitable, transparent, and logical criteria that better serve the needs of individuals and society as a whole.
Common Misspellings for ARBITRARY STANDARDS
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Etymology of ARBITRARY STANDARDS
The word "arbitrary" comes from the Latin word "arbitrarius", which means "depending on the judgment of an arbiter or judge". It is derived from the Latin word "arbiter", which refers to a person who has the authority to settle disputes and make judgments. Over time, "arbitrary" has come to mean a decision or standard made without a clear reason or based on personal preference.
The term "standards" can be traced back to the Old English word "standan" which means "to stand" or "to be in an upright position". It has evolved to refer to a level of quality, achievement, or expectation that is considered usual or acceptable.
Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "arbitrary standards" combines the Latin origin of "arbitrary", meaning dependent on judgment, with the Old English origin of "standards", meaning levels of quality or expectations.
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