casuistry
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From casuist + -ry. First recorded use in 1725.
Pronunciation [edit]
- IPA: /ˈkæʒuɪstɹi/, /ˈkæzjuɪstɹi/
Noun [edit]
casuistry (countable and uncountable; 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.
Synonyms [edit]
- (process of answering practical questions by cases): casuistics
- (pejorative): excuse, legalism, rationalization, sophistry
Related terms [edit]
terms related to casuistry
Translations [edit]
process
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