Scrupulousness: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word originates from the Latin 'scrupulus', which means 'a small stone', symbolizing a tiny doubt or moral hesitation in making decisions.
• In the 14th century, it evolved to describe a person's conscience and the carefulness in their actions.
• Before 'scrupulousness' became widely used, similar terms related to moral carefulness were common in medieval literature.

Psychology

• Individuals with high scrupulousness often experience anxiety about moral implications, leading to overthinking everyday decisions.
• This characteristic can sometimes lead to 'scrupulosity', a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder where a person feels excessively guilty about actions or thoughts.
• Research indicates that people with strong scruples might have higher levels of resilience against unethical influences in social situations.

Literature

• Numerous literary characters embody scrupulousness, often facing moral dilemmas that highlight their integrity, such as Atticus Finch in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
• In Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet', the title character’s indecision can be seen as a reflection of scrupulousness in confronting ethical choices.
• Classic narratives often contrast scrupulous characters with those lacking moral vigilance, increasing tension in the storytelling.

Cultural Perspectives

• In many cultures, scrupulousness is associated with virtue and integrity, often celebrated in proverbs and folk tales emphasizing honesty.
• Religious texts across various faiths promote scrupulousness as a sign of moral fortitude, encouraging adherents to act ethically in all areas of life.
• Leaders and role models in various cultures are frequently idealized for their scrupulous nature, inspiring others to uphold similar values.

Philosophy

• Philosophers like Kant regarded scrupulousness as essential to moral reasoning, linking it to the concept of duty and ethical obligations.
• Ethics discussions often revolve around the implications of being scrupulous in actions versus being pragmatic and flexible in moral choices.
• Debates in moral philosophy frequently emphasize the importance of scrupulous conduct in fostering trust and social cooperation.

Ranking #37,009, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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