Scrupled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Research shows that people often feel scrupled when faced with dilemmas that challenge their core beliefs and values.
• Individuals with a heightened sense of morality are more likely to experience scruples in ambiguous situations.
• Scruples can act as an internal guide, helping people navigate complex ethical landscapes.

Philosophy

• Philosophers like Kant emphasized the importance of scruples in moral philosophy, suggesting that our conscience is essential for ethical reasoning.
• The concept of scruples ties into moral obligations, asserting that one's values can prevent them from acting unethically.
• Debates about utilitarianism often highlight how scruples can clash with the desire to achieve the greatest good for the most people.

Literature

• Shakespeare's characters often display scruples when making moral choices, showcasing the internal conflict of right versus wrong.
• The term appears in various literary works to illustrate a character’s hesitancy to act, highlighting the weight of moral conscience.
• Modern novels frequently explore themes of scruples, portraying protagonists who struggle with their decisions in morally ambiguous worlds.

Religious Context

• Many religious teachings emphasize the importance of having scruples, as a way to align one's actions with moral values.
• Different religions interpret the concept of scruples in various ways, often linking them to divine guidance or ethical standards.
• In discussions about ethical behavior in religious texts, scruples are often viewed as a sign of a person's moral integrity.

Main points about word origin

• The word originates from the Latin 'scrupulus', meaning a small stone that causes uneasiness, suggesting a feeling of discomfort.
• In Middle English, 'scruple' referred to a moral hesitation when making decisions.
• The transition from a physical feeling (like a pebble in your shoe) to a moral one shows how people relate discomfort to ethical choices.

The word 'scruple' originates from the late Middle English term 'scrupel', which itself comes from the Latin 'scrupulus', a diminutive of 'scrupus' meaning 'a small stone'. This metaphor reflects the idea of a small weight or burden that one carries, representing a feeling of unease or discomfort in making a moral decision. Over time, 'scruple' evolved into a verb form, referring to the act of hesitating due to moral considerations. In its history, the term has been linked closely to ethics and moral philosophy, symbolizing the internal struggle between right and wrong. The usage of 'scruple' in ethical discussions highlights the importance of conscience and personal integrity in decision-making. Today, it retains its association with moral hesitations and is often used in contexts where one's ethical principles are challenged.