Probabilism

Probabilism

In theology and philosophy, probabilism (from Latin "probare", to test, approve) holds that in the absence of certainty, probability is the best criterion.

Theology

In moral theology, especially Catholic, it refers especially to the view in casuistry that in difficult matters of conscience one may safely follow a doctrine that is probable, for example is approved by a recognized Doctor of the Church, even if the opposite opinion is more probable.

This view was advanced by the Spanish theologian Bartolomé de Medina (1527 - 1581) and defended by many Jesuits such as Luis Molina (1528 - 1581). It was heavily criticised by Blaise Pascal in his "Provincial Letters" as leading to moral laxity. Opposed to probabilism is probabiliorism (Latin "probabilior", "more likely"), which holds that when there is a preponderance of evidence on one side of a controversy one is obliged to follow that side, and tutiorism (Latin "tutior", "safer"), which holds that in case of doubt one must take the morally safer side. A more radical view, "minus probabilissimus", holds that an action is permissible if a single opinion allowing that action is available, even if the overwhelming weight of opinion proscribes it.

Philosophy

In philosophy the term is applied to that practical doctrine which gives assistance in ordinary matters to one who is skeptical in respect of the possibility of real knowledge: it supposes that though knowledge is impossible, a man may rely on strong beliefs in practical affairs. This view was held by the skeptics of the New Academy ("see skepticism and Carneades.").
Academic skeptics accept probabilism, while Pyrrhonian skeptics do not.

ee also

*Equiprobabilism
*Compensationism
*Probabiliorism

ources and references

*Catholic [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12441a.htm Probabilism (1911)]
*1911
*J. Franklin, "The Science of Conjecture: Evidence and Probability Before Pascal" (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001), ch. 4

External links

* [http://www.philosophyprofessor.com/philosophies/probabilism.php PhilosophyProfessor.com: Probabilism]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Probabilism — • The moral system which holds that, when there is question solely of the lawfulness or unlawfulness of an action, it is permissible to follow a solidly probable opinion in favour of liberty even though the opposing view is more probable.… …   Catholic encyclopedia

  • probabilism — PROBABILÍSM s.n. Concepţie potrivit căreia nu se poate stabili cu certitudine dacă o afirmaţie este sau nu adevărată. – Din fr. probabilisme. Trimis de ana zecheru, 13.04.2004. Sursa: DEX 98  probabilísm s. n. Trimis de siveco, 10.08.2004. Sursa …   Dicționar Român

  • Probabilism — Prob a*bil*ism, n. [Cf. F. probabilisme.] The doctrine of the probabilists. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • probabilism — [präb′ə bəl iz΄əm] n. [Fr probabilisme: see PROBABLE & ISM] 1. Philos. the doctrine that certainty in knowledge is impossible and that probability is a sufficient basis for action and belief 2. R.C.Ch. the principle that in matters concerning… …   English World dictionary

  • probabilism — probabilist, n., adj. /prob euh beuh liz euhm/, n. 1. Philos. the doctrine, introduced by the Skeptics, that certainty is impossible and that probability suffices to govern faith and practice. 2. Rom. Cath. Theol. a theory that in cases of doubt… …   Universalium

  • Probabilism — practical doctrine which gives assistance in ordinary matters to one who is skeptical in respect of the possibility of real knowledge: it supposes that though knowledge is impossible, a man may rely on strong beliefs in practical affairs. This… …   Mini philosophy glossary

  • probabilism — The doctrine that in some area of science, or ethics, we may settle for hypotheses with reasonable degrees of probability, without being able to obtain knowledge. Probabilism is flanked by the more dogmatic view that we can achieve certainty, on… …   Philosophy dictionary

  • probabilism —    This word (from the Latin probabilis, meaning provable ) refers to the school of moral theology that considers it permissible to follow a moral opinion that is apparently acceptable and reasonable, even though it is not certain. Unfortunately …   Glossary of theological terms

  • probabilism — noun Etymology: French probabilisme, from Latin probabilis probable Date: circa 1843 1. a theory that in disputed moral questions any solidly probable course may be followed even though an opposed course is or appears more probable 2. a theory… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • probabilism — noun The doctrine that, in the absence of certainty, probability is the best criterion …   Wiktionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”