Difference between revisions of "Idiot"
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(I've been over-using the word implacable this week) |
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| − | + | The term '''idiot''' was formerly used to describe a person whose [[intelligence]] was too low to function without constant supervision. The term was not applied to toddlers or babies. | |
| − | Higher up the intelligence scale | + | Higher up the intelligence scale were imbeciles, then morons. Imbeciles could be trusted for short periods without supervision, but could not lead independent lives. Morons could support themselves and live independently. |
IQ scale: | IQ scale: | ||
*idiot - 25 and below | *idiot - 25 and below | ||
| − | *imbecile - 25 to 50 | + | *[[imbecile]] - 25 to 50 |
| − | *moron - 50 to 80 | + | *[[moron]] - 50 to 80 |
| − | Note that advocates have registered strong objections to the use of these terms and that IQ testers stopped using them in the late 20th century. | + | Note that advocates{{fact}} have registered strong objections to the use of these terms and that [[Intelligence testing|IQ testers]] stopped using them in the late 20th century. |
| + | |||
| + | Individuals with such intellectual disabilities are now diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe [[mental retardation]]. | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[http://www.people-inc.org/museum/collection_glossary.asp Museum of Disability History] | *[http://www.people-inc.org/museum/collection_glossary.asp Museum of Disability History] | ||
| + | [[category:psychology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 21:29, November 17, 2025
The term idiot was formerly used to describe a person whose intelligence was too low to function without constant supervision. The term was not applied to toddlers or babies.
Higher up the intelligence scale were imbeciles, then morons. Imbeciles could be trusted for short periods without supervision, but could not lead independent lives. Morons could support themselves and live independently.
IQ scale:
Note that advocates[Citation Needed] have registered strong objections to the use of these terms and that IQ testers stopped using them in the late 20th century.
Individuals with such intellectual disabilities are now diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe mental retardation.