probabilism

American  

[prob-uh-buh-liz-uhm] / ˈprɒb ə bəˌlɪz əm /

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.

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probabilism British  

/ ˈprɒbəbɪˌlɪzəm /

noun

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

2. 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

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Other Word Forms

• probabilist noun
• probabilistic adjective
• probabilistically adverb

Etymology

Origin of probabilism

From the French word probabilisme, dating back to 1835–45. See probable, -ism

Example Sentences

I think he’s playing grossly to the ignorance of a certain portion of his readership under the guise of sounding sophisticated by citing probabilism in this way.

From Slate • May 18, 2017

Only the Academicians believed that certain things were probable, more probable than others, and they are the founders of probabilism, which is nothing more than conviction accompanied with modesty.

From Initiation into Philosophy by Faguet, Émile

For this reason, probabilism found vigorous opponents in Bossuet and other eminent divines; and various of its excesses were condemned by the popes during the latter half of the 17th century.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 4 "Carnegie Andrew" to "Casus Belli" by Various

They were obliged tacitly to confess that their probabilism, or doctrine of probability, was at bottom but doubt, and the absence of all principle.

From Priests, Women, and Families by Michelet, Jules

Mr. Alban Butler was totally averse to the system of probabilism, and to all assertions that favor laxity in morale.

From The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints January, February, March by Butler, Alban