Casuistry

In ethics, casuistry (/ˈkæzjuɪstri/ KAZ-ew-iss-tree) is a process of reasoning that seeks to resolve moral problems by extracting or extending abstract rules from a particular case, and reapplying those rules to new instances.^[1] This method occurs in applied ethics and jurisprudence. The term is also used pejoratively to criticise the use of clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions (as in sophistry).^[2] It has been defined as follows:

Study of cases of conscience and a method of solving conflicts of obligations by applying general principles of ethics, religion, and moral theology to particular and concrete cases of human conduct. This frequently demands an extensive knowledge of natural law and equity, civil law, ecclesiastical precepts, and an exceptional skill in interpreting these various norms of conduct....^[3]

It remains a common method in applied ethics.^[4]

^ "Philosophy-Dictionary.org". casuistry. Archived from the original on 18 January 2012. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
^ "Casuistry". Dictionary of the History of Ideas. University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on 18 June 2006.
^ Rolbiecki, J. J. (1942). "Casuistry". In Runes, Dagobert D. (ed.). Dictionary of Philosophy. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
^ Kemerling, Garth (10 December 2011). "Casuistry". Philosophy Pages. Retrieved 26 October 2023.

[1] "Philosophy-Dictionary.org". casuistry. Archived from the original on 18 January 2012. Retrieved 7 December 2011.

[2] "Casuistry". Dictionary of the History of Ideas. University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on 18 June 2006.

[3] Rolbiecki, J. J. (1942). "Casuistry". In Runes, Dagobert D. (ed.). Dictionary of Philosophy. Retrieved 26 October 2023.

[4] Kemerling, Garth (10 December 2011). "Casuistry". Philosophy Pages. Retrieved 26 October 2023.

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