Probabiliorism is a term used in moral theology, which refers to the belief that, given a choice between two possible courses of action, one may choose the option that is more likely to be the morally correct choice. The spelling of this word is "prɒbəbɪlɪˈɔːrɪzm", with the stressed syllable being "bil". It is derived from the Latin word "probabilior", meaning "more likely", and the suffix "-ism", indicating a particular belief or doctrine.
Probabiliorism is a moral and theological doctrine that relates to decision-making and ethics. It is a school of thought within Roman Catholic moral theology that originated in the 17th century. The term "probabiliorism" is derived from the Latin word "probabilis," meaning probable or likely.
According to probabiliorism, when faced with a moral dilemma or uncertain situation, individuals are permitted to follow a probable opinion or judgment, even if it is not the most certain or stringent one. This means that one can choose a course of action based on a probable opinion, even if there are more certain or stringent views available.
Probabiliorism is often contrasted with another moral doctrine, called "probabilism." While probabilism allows individuals to follow a probable opinion freely, probabiliorism suggests that individuals should choose the opinion that carries the most weight of probability. In other words, they should choose the safer or more probable option.
This doctrine has been influential in addressing moral questions that involve conflicting opinions, such as whether certain actions are permissible, forbidden, or required. It provides individuals with a framework for making decisions when faced with moral uncertainty or conflicting teachings.
Overall, probabiliorism allows individuals to make morally sound decisions based on probable opinions, rather than insisting on absolute certainty. It recognizes that moral judgments can be complex and involve various opinions, providing individuals with the flexibility to navigate ethical dilemmas.
The word "probabiliorism" is derived from the Latin word "probabilis", which means "probable" or "likely". It is combined with the suffix "-ism", which is used to denote a specific belief or practice. Therefore, "probabiliorism" refers to a belief system or doctrine based on probability.