Casuistry

Casuistry refers to a method of reasoning that relies on the analysis of specific cases to resolve moral dilemmas, often in the context of ethics or philosophy. It can also imply a subtle or equivocal application of ethical principles, sometimes leading to questionable conclusions.

Casuistry meaning with examples

• In the debate over capital punishment, the lawyer employed Casuistry to argue that each case should be examined on its own merits, rather than applying a blanket moral principle. This nuanced approach aimed to humanize the complex nature of each situation.
• During the ethics seminar, the professor encouraged students to engage in Casuistry, examining different real-world scenarios involving medical ethics. This method allowed them to grapple with the intricacies of moral decisions in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of context.
• The religious scholar criticized the use of Casuistry, warning that such reasoning could lead to the dilution of universally accepted moral truths. He advocated instead for straightforward ethical guidelines that apply universally, without any bending to specific cases.
• In her argument about animal rights, the activist utilized Casuistry, dissecting various examples of animal treatment to challenge the audience’s preconceived notions. By focusing on specific instances, she aimed to evoke empathy and encourage a reevaluation of broader ethical positions.