Definition of Mea Culpa

The Latin phrase mea culpa literally means "it's my fault" and is normally used when someone recognizes their own error or assumes their responsibility in some matter. It is said that someone sings the mea culpa when he admits that he has made a mistake.

An exercise in self-criticism

Human beings have a hard time recognizing our mistakes. Very often we affirm that we are not guilty of what we have done, but that others are responsible for our failures. Thus, we say that the partner, the parents, the co-workers, the coach or the society are the culprits, since we are "innocent victims" who pay for the mistakes of others. It is very likely that this approach be a defense mechanism to avoid individual responsibility.

However, sometimes we acknowledge the error with sincerity and we sing the mea culpa. When we do we are being self-critical and sincere and, in parallel, we are asking forgiveness for the evil that we have been able to cause to others.

When someone sings the mea culpa before others, they are being brave, because the easy thing would be to make one excuse or another that frees them from guilt. Therefore, it would be a mistake to interpret mea culpa as an act of cowardice or of

It is clear that we are not always solely responsible for the mistakes we make, but it is also unquestionable that it is not credible that we are never responsible for what happens to us.

The mea culpa and the purpose of amendment

In the tradition Catholic there is an idea that bears a certain resemblance to the concept of mea culpa, the purpose of amendment. When a Catholic commits a sin of any nature and confesses about it, he is acknowledging his mistake before his confessor. However, recognition is not enough, but must be accompanied by repentance sincere and the purpose of amendment, which comes to say the following: I intend not to return to sin.

Other Latinisms in current use

The mea culpa is part of the language daily. There are many Latin phrases that we use on a daily basis. In this sense, when we disqualify some arguments by attacking those who defend them, it is a question of argument ad hominem, when we affirm something without examining the facts previously we make an a priori judgment and when we respond impulsively and unexpectedly we say an abrupt ex.

Photos: Fotolia - David Pereiras / kawin302