Casuistry - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Casuistry is the use of clever but unsound reasoning to justify morally questionable actions, often by applying ethical principles in a misleading or overly subtle way.
Definition:
Sophisticated but misleading reasoning, often used to justify morally questionable actions.
Synonyms:
sophistry, quibbling, equivocation, speciousness
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
honesty, straightforwardness
Common Collocations:
moral casuistry, legal casuistry, religious casuistry
Derivatives:
casuist, casuistical
Usage Tips:
Use 'casuistry' to describe clever but deceptive arguments, especially in ethics or law.
Common Phrases:
empty casuistry, Jesuitical casuistry, political casuistry
Etymology:
Derived from Latin 'casus' (case), referring to case-based moral reasoning in theology and law.
Examples:
- 1. His argument was pure casuistry, twisting facts to suit his agenda.
- 2. The lawyer's casuistry convinced few but confused many in the courtroom.
- 3. She saw through his moral casuistry and refused to be swayed.
- 4. Religious debates often involve casuistry to justify controversial doctrines.