Casuistry

usgb/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

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Visual representation of "casuistry"
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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.
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Ethical Debates

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

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There was a sense of casuistry in the debate over the new medical ethics policy.
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Not Always Negative

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

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The philosopher's casuistry dissected the moral dilemma with great nuance.
Visual representation of the word "Casuistry"

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