Casuistry

/ˈkæʒuɪstri/
noun

The use of tricky reasoning or arguments, especially in moral or legal issues, which is often seen as dishonest.

The lawyer was skilled in casuistry and often used it to win his cases.
Visual representation of "casuistry" - The use of tricky reasoning or arguments, especially in moral or legal issues, which is often seen as dishonest

Often appears as...

  • moral casuistry
  • legal casuistry

Usage tips

Disapproving

Academic

noun

The use of tricky reasoning or arguments, especially in moral or legal issues, which is often seen as dishonest.

The lawyer was skilled in casuistry and often used it to win his cases.
Visual representation of "casuistry" - The use of tricky reasoning or arguments, especially in moral or legal issues, which is often seen as dishonest

Often appears as...

  • moral casuistry
  • legal casuistry

Usage tips

Disapproving

Academic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "casuistry"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Casuistry often implies a negative judgment of someone's reasoning or actions.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Politicians are sometimes accused of casuistry when justifying unpopular decisions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Ethical Debates

Casuistry typically appears in discussions about ethics where principles may seem at conflict.

Illustration for Ethical Debates
There was a sense of casuistry in the debate over the new medical ethics policy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Negative

While often negative, casuistry can be neutral, exploring complexities in moral reasoning.

Illustration for Not Always Negative
The philosopher's casuistry dissected the moral dilemma with great nuance.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Casuistry often implies a negative judgment of someone's reasoning or actions.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Politicians are sometimes accused of casuistry when justifying unpopular decisions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Ethical Debates

Casuistry typically appears in discussions about ethics where principles may seem at conflict.

Illustration for Ethical Debates
There was a sense of casuistry in the debate over the new medical ethics policy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Negative

While often negative, casuistry can be neutral, exploring complexities in moral reasoning.

Illustration for Not Always Negative
The philosopher's casuistry dissected the moral dilemma with great nuance.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Casuistry often implies a negative judgment of someone's reasoning or actions.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Politicians are sometimes accused of casuistry when justifying unpopular decisions.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Ethical Debates

Casuistry typically appears in discussions about ethics where principles may seem at conflict.

Illustration for Ethical Debates
There was a sense of casuistry in the debate over the new medical ethics policy.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Negative

While often negative, casuistry can be neutral, exploring complexities in moral reasoning.

Illustration for Not Always Negative
The philosopher's casuistry dissected the moral dilemma with great nuance.
Visual representation of the word "Casuistry"

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