casuistry
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
casuist + -ry. First recorded use in 1725.
[edit] Pronunciation
- IPA: [kəˈsuɪstri], [ˈkæʒuːɨstri]
[edit] Noun
casuistry (plural casuistries)
- The process of answering practical questions via interpretation of rules or cases that illustrate such rules, especially in ethics.
- 1968, Sidney Monas (translator), Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment 1866.
- And yet it would seem that the whole analysis he had made, his attempt to find a moral solution to the problem, was complete. His casuistry had been honed to a razor’s edge, and he could no longer think of any objections.
- 1995, Richard Powers, Galatea 2.2
- “And if you lose?” Diana enunciated, through a thin grin. She meant to extract casuistry’s penalty in advance.
- 1968, Sidney Monas (translator), Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment 1866.
- (pejorative) A specious argument designed to defend an action or feeling.
[edit] Synonyms
- (process of answering practical questions by cases): casuistics
- (pejorative): rationalization, excuse, legalism
[edit] Related terms
terms related to casuistry
[edit] Translations
Translations
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