Allowed vs. Permissible

Attribute	Allowed	Permissible
Definition	Something that is permitted or not forbidden	Something that is permitted or allowed within certain limits or under certain conditions
Synonyms	Permitted, acceptable, authorized	Acceptable, allowable, tolerable
Usage	Generally used to indicate something that is not prohibited	Often used in legal or formal contexts to specify conditions or limitations
Implications	Implies a lack of prohibition or restriction	Implies a set of rules or conditions that must be followed

Definition

Allowed and permissible are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. Allowed generally refers to something that is permitted or sanctioned by a set of rules or regulations. Permissible, on the other hand, refers to something that is allowed or permitted within the bounds of what is considered acceptable or appropriate. In other words, while something may be allowed by a specific rule or law, it may not necessarily be considered permissible in a broader sense.

Legal Context

In a legal context, the distinction between allowed and permissible becomes more pronounced. Allowed actions are those that are explicitly permitted by law or regulation. For example, a zoning ordinance may allow certain types of businesses to operate in a particular area. Permissible actions, on the other hand, are those that are not explicitly prohibited by law. This distinction is important because while something may be allowed by law, it may still be considered impermissible if it goes against the spirit or intent of the law.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

When it comes to moral and ethical considerations, the difference between allowed and permissible becomes even more nuanced. Allowed actions are those that are not explicitly prohibited by moral or ethical codes. For example, lying may not be explicitly prohibited in a particular ethical framework, but it may still be considered impermissible due to the harm it causes. Permissible actions, on the other hand, are those that are considered acceptable within a particular moral or ethical framework. These actions may not be explicitly allowed, but they are not considered morally or ethically wrong.

Subjectivity

One of the key differences between allowed and permissible is the level of subjectivity involved. Allowed actions are generally more objective, as they are based on specific rules or regulations. Permissible actions, on the other hand, are more subjective, as they are based on what is considered acceptable or appropriate within a particular context. This subjectivity can make it more challenging to determine whether something is permissible compared to whether it is allowed.

Cultural Differences

Cultural differences can also play a role in determining what is allowed versus what is permissible. Different cultures may have different norms and values that influence what is considered acceptable behavior. For example, in some cultures, it may be allowed to speak loudly in public, but it may not be considered permissible due to the cultural emphasis on politeness and respect for others. Understanding these cultural differences is important when considering whether something is allowed or permissible in a particular context.

Implications

The distinction between allowed and permissible can have significant implications in various areas of life, including law, ethics, and culture. Understanding the difference between these two terms can help individuals navigate complex situations where the boundaries of what is considered acceptable may not be clear. By considering both what is allowed by rules and regulations and what is considered permissible within a broader context, individuals can make more informed decisions and avoid potential conflicts or misunderstandings.