Scruples

Scruples are moral or ethical considerations that restrain one from certain actions or behaviors. They represent an internal conflict or hesitation about doing something perceived as wrong, dishonest, or harmful. This inner conflict arises from a well-developed sense of right and wrong, often rooted in personal values, religious beliefs, or societal norms. scruples can influence decisions in various situations, from minor everyday choices to significant moral dilemmas. The presence of scruples indicates a heightened level of conscience and a concern for the potential consequences of one's actions on oneself and others. They act as a moral compass, guiding individuals towards behaviors they consider ethical and avoiding those they deem unethical, even if the unethical choice offers personal benefit or convenience. scruples are also a key indicator of empathy, as they typically involve the understanding of possible harm to others. People lacking scruples may be seen as reckless or uncaring.

Scruples meaning with examples

• Despite the financial incentive, Sarah’s scruples prevented her from accepting the job offer, as it involved practices she found ethically questionable. Her moral compass strongly opposed the methods of the company, leading to a difficult internal conflict. She chose to prioritize her integrity and maintain peace of mind instead of pursuing the monetary benefit offered, as the potential harm to others weighed heavily on her conscience. Sarah realized a great deal of her character could be measured here.
• The politician struggled with scruples when deciding whether to support a controversial bill. The potential political gains were tempting, but his deep-seated commitment to social justice created a moral dilemma. He felt that the bill was detrimental to his core values, and that he had to stand on what he believed in. His inner conflict revealed his struggle to balance personal ambition with his ethical obligations, highlighting his dedication to public service.
• Even though he was offered a substantial discount if he omitted the flaws, the mechanic's scruples dictated that he provide an honest assessment of the car. The discount was attractive and a financial boost, but it was outweighed by the belief that the car's faults could place others in danger. He knew that hiding this information would ultimately be wrong and that he was an essential part of maintaining the safety of others.
• She wrestled with scruples when contemplating telling a white lie to protect her friend's feelings. She knew the truth would hurt them, but deception felt wrong and she was trying to do her friend a favor. She experienced a sense of moral unease, feeling caught between the desire to be kind and the importance of being truthful. The pressure to act in a supportive role made her feel extremely tense as the dilemma wore on her.
• The detective's scruples led him to investigate his colleague after suspecting wrongdoing. The risks to his own career were evident, and he stood to suffer a great deal of adversity, but he felt a strong moral imperative to uncover the truth. This demonstrated a commitment to justice and a willingness to risk personal harm to uphold ethical standards, showing the depth of his dedication to his profession.
• Her strong scruples meant she declined to take a shortcut on her tax returns, even though it could save her a considerable amount of money. Even though many other people did it, and she was experiencing financial hardships, she chose to pay the full amount because she believed in upholding the laws of her land. She felt like doing any less was betraying the laws that were created to assist everyone within her society.