casuist Definition
a person who uses clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions; a sophist.
Using casuist: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "casuist" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The casuist argued that lying is sometimes morally justified.
Example
He was known as a casuist who could twist any argument to suit his needs.
Example
The politician was accused of being a casuist who used legal technicalities to avoid answering difficult questions.
casuist Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for casuist
- sophist
- quibbler
- pettifogger
- hair-splitter
- specious reasoner
Phrases with casuist
the use of moral reasoning to justify actions that would otherwise be considered sinful or wrong, often associated with the Jesuit order of the Catholic Church
Example
The book explores the history of Jesuit casuistry and its impact on moral philosophy.
the use of clever but unsound reasoning to justify actions or beliefs, often in relation to moral questions
Example
The article criticizes the use of casuistic reasoning in political debates.
an approach to problem-solving that focuses on finding loopholes or technicalities in rules or laws, often to gain an advantage
Example
The company's lawyers took a casuistic approach to interpreting the contract, which led to a dispute with their partners.
Origins of casuist
from French 'casuiste', from Spanish 'casuista', from Latin 'casus', meaning 'case'
Summary: casuist in Brief
'Casuist' [ˈkæzjuɪst] refers to a person who uses clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions. It is often associated with Jesuit casuistry, which justifies actions that would otherwise be considered sinful or wrong. Examples of casuistic reasoning include twisting arguments to suit one's needs and using legal technicalities to avoid difficult questions.
