MORAL IMBECILE Meaning and
Definition
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A "moral imbecile" refers to a person who is deemed to have significant intellectual and moral deficiencies that impair their ability to discern and abide by societal norms and values. It is a term used in the field of psychology and ethics to describe individuals who severely lack understanding or empathy regarding moral concepts and social responsibilities.
The phrase combines the term "imbecile," typically associated with intellectual impairment, and "moral," which pertains to principles of right and wrong behavior. A moral imbecile is considered to be exceptionally deficient in both aspects, rendering them unable to comprehend or adhere to ethical codes or moral obligations.
This term has been widely used in legal and ethical discourse to determine an individual's culpability or competence in specific situations. In some contexts, it is utilized to classify those who display an extreme disregard for others' welfare or consistently engage in morally reprehensible actions without any sense of remorse or understanding of the consequences.
It is important to note that the term "moral imbecile" is now considered outdated and potentially offensive, as it is based on outdated psychiatric terminology and fails to reflect current understandings of intellectual disabilities and moral development. The concept itself has evolved, and modern approaches focus more on individual capabilities and responsibilities, rather than labeling individuals as imbeciles or implying a lack of moral worth.
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Amoralis, a person with pronounced mental defect who has strong vicious or criminal propensities little or not at all affected by punishment.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MORAL IMBECILE
- noral imbecile
- koral imbecile
- joral imbecile
- miral imbecile
- mkral imbecile
- mlral imbecile
- mpral imbecile
- m0ral imbecile
- m9ral imbecile
- moeal imbecile
- modal imbecile
- mofal imbecile
- motal imbecile
- mo5al imbecile
- mo4al imbecile
- morzl imbecile
- morsl imbecile
- morwl imbecile
- morql imbecile
- morak imbecile
Etymology of MORAL IMBECILE
The term "moral imbecile" is no longer commonly used in contemporary language. However, historically, it was a term used in the field of psychiatry to describe individuals who were deemed morally deficient or incapable of understanding or appreciating moral values or social expectations.
The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Moral: The word "moral" originates from the Latin word "moralis", which means "pertaining to morals or manners". It traces back to the Latin word "mos", meaning "custom" or "habit". Over time, "moral" came to be associated with principles of right and wrong conduct, ethical behavior, and values.
2. Imbecile: The term "imbecile" has its roots in the Latin word "imbecillus", where "im-" denotes "not" and "baculum" means "walking stick" or "support".
