Is there a technical definition of this term that Poe (coins?) uses in his story "The Imp of Perverse"

-- Anonymous, November 18, 1999

Answers

In the Imp of the Perverse, the term "prima mobilia" refers to the primary motivation or the root cause for impulsive or compulsive behavior in man. In effect, why does man routinely act in a manner that directly conflicts with common sense?

-- Anonymous, January 16, 2000