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Definition of probabilism - 3 dictionary results

prob⋅a⋅bi⋅lism

  [prob-uh-buh-liz-uhm]
Use probabilism in a Sentence
–noun
1. Philosophy. the doctrine, introduced by the Skeptics, that certainty is impossible and that probability suffices to govern faith and practice.
2. Roman Catholic Theology. a theory that in cases of doubt as to the lawfulness of an action, it is permissible to follow a sound opinion favoring its lawfulness.

Origin:
1835–45; < F probabilisme. See probable, -ism

Related forms:
prob⋅a⋅bi⋅list, noun, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To 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.

prob'a·bi·list adj. & n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

probabilism

in casuistry, a principle of action grounded on the premise that, when one does not know whether an action would be sinful or permissible, he may rely on a "probable opinion" for its permissibility even though a more probable opinion calls it sinful. An opinion is considered probable either if sound, logical arguments can be cited in its favour (intrinsic probability) or if recognized authorities give it support (extrinsic probability).

Learn more about probabilism with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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