Inquisition Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inquisition
[ˌɪnkwɪˈzɪʃən ]
Definition
historical investigation
The Inquisition refers to a group of institutions within the judicial system of the Catholic Church aimed at combating heresy. It involved the questioning and trial of individuals suspected of holding beliefs contrary to the doctrines of the Church. The most famous of these was the Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, which sought to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain.
Synonyms
inquiry, interrogation, investigation.
Examples of usage
- The Inquisition targeted various groups, including Jews and Muslims.
- Victims of the Inquisition were often subjected to torture.
- The Inquisition played a significant role in the history of the Catholic Church.
- Many people were executed during the time of the Inquisition.
- The goals of the Inquisition included the enforcement of religious uniformity.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'inquisition' comes from the Latin word 'inquirere', meaning 'to inquire' or 'to investigate'.
- The Spanish Inquisition, established in 1478, aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain and often targeted converted Jews and Muslims.
- Inquisitions took place in later centuries in various countries, including Italy and Portugal, highlighting the broader influence of the Catholic Church.
Cultural Impact
- The concept of the inquisition has inspired numerous works in literature and film, often depicting conflict between belief and authority.
- Inquisition imagery is prevalent in modern horror genres, representing fear and control through persecution.
Psychological Perspectives
- Studies show that authority figures (like the inquisitors) can strongly influence people's beliefs and actions, reflecting social pressure.
- The psychological concept of 'confirmation bias' suggests that inquisitors may have only sought evidence that supported their already established beliefs.
Legal Framework
- Inquisitional procedures often lacked basic legal rights, leading to confessions obtained under duress or torture, highlighting issues in criminal justice.
- Unlike modern legal systems, inquisitorial systems used by the church prioritized truth-seeking over the rights of the accused.
Modern Reflections
- The legacy of the inquisitions has generated ongoing discussions about religious freedom and human rights in modern societies.
- Contemporary movements often reference historical inquisitions to draw parallels about current issues of tolerance and belief.
Origin of 'inquisition'
The term 'inquisition' originates from the Latin word 'inquisitio', which means 'to inquire' or 'to investigate'. This Latin root itself comes from 'inquirere', meaning 'to seek after'. The Inquisition started in the 12th century as the Catholic Church sought to address the rising threat of heresies that contradicted church teachings. Initially, it was more about pastoral care and correction, but by the 13th century, it evolved into a formal judicial process led by ecclesiastical judges. Over the centuries, the Inquisition became notorious for its harsh methods, including the use of torture and execution. The Spanish Inquisition, established by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, is perhaps the most well-known instance, as it forcibly converted and punished those suspected of practicing other faiths in Spain. It lasted for over 300 years, officially ending in the 19th century. The legacy of the Inquisition remains a complex and often controversial aspect of religious and historical studies.