probabilism

The doctrine that probability is a sufficient basis for belief and action, since certainty in knowledge is unattainable.

The system of moral theology that applies when the lawfulness of an act is uncertain, by allowing an actor to follow an opinion favoring personal liberty if that opinion is solidly probable, even though an opposing opinion, favoring law, is more probable.

In Roman Catholic theology, the doctrine that when there are two probable opinions, each resting on apparent reason, one in favor of and the other opposed to one’s inclinations, it is lawful to follow the probable opinion which favors one’s inclination. See probabiliorism, probabilist.

The doctrine of the probabilists.

The doctrine that, in the absence of certainty, probability is the best criterion.

a Roman Catholic system of casuistry that when expert opinions differ an actor can follow any solidly probable opinion that he wishes even though some different opinion might be more probable

(philosophy) the doctrine that (since certainty is unattainable) probability is a sufficient basis for belief and action