A moralizing example or a prop for an intellectual idea is referred to as an?

A moralizing example or a prop for an intellectual idea is referred to as a parable.

Here's why:

* Moralizing: Parables often carry a strong moral message or lesson, aiming to teach a virtue or condemn a vice.

* Prop for an intellectual idea: Parables use a simple story or analogy to illustrate a more complex concept or abstract idea, making it easier to understand.

Other related terms:

* Allegory: Similar to a parable, but often with a more extended and symbolic narrative.

* Fable: A short story with animals or inanimate objects as characters, conveying a moral lesson.

* Analogy: A comparison between two different things to highlight a similarity or point out a relationship.

While these terms can sometimes overlap, "parable" specifically refers to a story with a moralizing intent used to illustrate a broader intellectual idea.