casuistry

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun argumentation that is specious or excessively subtle and intended to be misleading
noun moral philosophy based on the application of general ethical principles to resolve moral dilemmas

From casuist + -ry.

There was no room left for casuistry. — The Riddle of the Sands, Erskine Childers
"Let casuists decide the casuistry, but the compassion the heart decides for itself. — The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade, Herman Melville
The coincidence was too complete to be explained away by any such casuistry. — Helen Vardon's confession, R. Austin (Richard Austin) Freeman

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