probabilism

prob·a·bi·lism

 (prŏb′ə-bə-lĭz′əm)

n.

1. Philosophy The doctrine that probability is a sufficient basis for belief and action, since certainty in knowledge is unattainable.

2. Roman Catholic Church The system of moral theology that applies when the lawfulness of an act is uncertain, by allowing an actor to follow an opinion favoring personal liberty if that opinion is solidly probable, even though an opposing opinion, favoring law, is more probable.

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prob′a·bi·list adj. & n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

probabilism

(ˈprɒbəbɪˌlɪzəm)

n

1. (Philosophy) philosophy the doctrine that although certainty is impossible, probability is a sufficient basis for belief and action

2. (Roman Catholic Church) the principle of Roman Catholic moral theology that in a situation in which authorities differ as to what is the right course of action it is permissible to follow any course which has the support of some authority

ˈprobabilist n, adj

ˌprobabilˈistic adj

ˌprobabilˈistically adv

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

prob•a•bi•lism

(ˈprɒb ə bəˌlɪz əm)

n.

1. the doctrine, introduced by the Skeptics, that certainty is impossible and that probability suffices to govern faith and practice.

2. Rom. Cath. Theol. the theory that in cases of moral doubt, a person may follow a sound opinion concerning the lawfulness of an act.

[1835–45; < French]

prob`a•bi•lis′tic, adj.

Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.

probabilism

the doctrine, introduced by the Skeptics and influential in the seiences and social sciences in modified form, that certainty is impossible and that probability suffices to govern belief and action. — probabilist, n. — probabilistic, adj.

See also: Philosophy

-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	probabilism - a Roman Catholic system of casuistry that when expert opinions differ an actor can follow any solidly probable opinion that he wishes even though some different opinion might be more probable casuistry - moral philosophy based on the application of general ethical principles to resolve moral dilemmas
	2.	probabilism - (philosophy) the doctrine that (since certainty is unattainable) probability is a sufficient basis for belief and action philosophy - the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory - a doctrine accepted by adherents to a philosophy

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