Impermissible: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word originates from Latin, where 'im-' means 'not' and 'permissible' comes from 'permissus', meaning permitted.
• First used in English around the late 19th century, it reflects legal and formal contexts when describing what is not acceptable.
• The prefix 'im-' is commonly found in words like 'impossible' or 'imperfect', reinforcing the idea of negation.

Legal Context

• In law, 'impermissible' often describes evidence or actions that cannot be accepted in court, such as unlawfully obtained evidence.
• Certain behaviors, like insider trading in finance, are labeled as impermissible due to strict regulations.
• Schools and workplaces often outline impermissible actions in their codes of conduct to maintain order and fairness.

Cultural Perspectives

• Different cultures have unique impermissible actions that relate to their values, such as certain dietary restrictions in religions.
• What is impermissible in one culture may be quite acceptable in another, showcasing cultural diversity and norms.
• Social media platforms also have their own impermissible content policies to create safe online communities.

Philosophy

• Philosophical discussions sometimes address impermissible actions in the context of ethics, deciding what individuals should never do.
• Some philosophers argue that certain impermissible acts are universal, such as cheating or lying, while others see them as situational.
• The debate on impermissibility often ties into concepts of morality versus legality in human behavior.

Psychology

• Actions considered impermissible can create internal conflict, leading to feelings of guilt or shame for an individual.
• Understanding impermissible behavior is important in therapy, helping individuals navigate their feelings about societal rules.
• Research shows that when people perceive a rule as impermissible, they might feel a stronger urge to break it, flipping the idea of forbidden fruit.