Casuistry

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈkæʒuɪstɹi/, /ˈkæzjuɪstɹi/
• Hyphenation: ca + su + ist + ry

Origin

From casuist + -ry. First recorded use in 1725.

Full definition of casuistry

Noun

1. 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.
2. (pejorative) A specious argument designed to defend an action or feeling.

Synonyms

• (process of answering practical questions by cases) casuistics
• (pejorative) excuse, legalism, rationalization, sophistry

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