Malum in Se: Understanding the Concept of Inherent Evil in Social Science.

Malum in se

Wrong in itself

Malum in se is a Latin term that translates to “evil in itself.” The phrase is used to describe an action or behavior that is inherently wrong or immoral, regardless of any laws or cultural norms that may suggest otherwise.

The concept of malum in se is often contrasted with malum prohibitum, which refers to actions or behaviors that are only considered wrong because they are prohibited by law. For example, murder is considered malum in se because taking another person’s life is inherently wrong and violates moral standards, while driving without a license is malum prohibitum because it is only considered wrong because it violates a specific law.

The idea of malum in se has been debated by philosophers for centuries, especially in terms of how it can be applied to different cultures and societies. Some argue that certain actions, such as killing in self-defense, might be considered malum in se in some contexts but not others.

Overall, the concept of malum in se is important for understanding the fundamental moral principles that underlie our legal systems and social norms. It helps us distinguish between actions that are truly wrong on a fundamental level and those that are merely prohibited by laws or regulations.

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