Definitions for: Casuistry


[n] moral philosophy based on the application of general ethical principles to resolve moral dilemmas
[n] argumentation that is specious or excessively subtle and intended to be misleading



Webster (1913) Definition: Cas"u*ist*ry, a.
1. The science or doctrine of dealing with cases of
conscience, of resolving questions of right or wrong in
conduct, or determining the lawfulness or unlawfulness of
what a man may do by rules and principles drawn from the
Scriptures, from the laws of society or the church, or
from equity and natural reason; the application of general
moral rules to particular cases.

The consideration of these nice and puzzling
question in the science of ethics has given rise, in
modern times, to a particular department of it,
distinguished by the title of casuistry. --Stewart.

Casuistry in the science of cases (i.e., oblique
deflections from the general rule). --De Quincey.

2. Sophistical, equivocal, or false reasoning or teaching in
regard to duties, obligations, and morals.

See Also: argumentation, ethics, line, line of reasoning, logical argument, moral philosophy, probabilism

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
animals beginning with h