Probabilism
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{{for|probabilists practicisng mathematical probability theory|List of mathematical probabilists}}
In [[theology]] and [[philosophy]], '''probabilism''' (from [[Latin]] ''probare'', to test, approve) holds that in the absence of certainty, [[probability]] is the best criterion.
==Theology==
{{main|Catholic Probabilism}}
In [[Christian ethics|moral theology]], especially [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]], it refers especially to the view in [[casuistry]] that in difficult matters of [[conscience]] one may safely follow a doctrine that is [[probability (moral theology)|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 [[Spain|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 [[Lettres provinciales|''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 [[skepticism|skeptics]] of the [[New Academy]] (''see [[skepticism]] and [[Carneades]].'').
[[Academic skepticism|Academic skeptics]] accept probabilism, while [[Pyrrhonian skepticism|Pyrrhonian skeptics]] do not.
==See also==
*[[Equiprobabilism]]
*[[Compensationism]]
*[[Probabiliorism]]
==Sources 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]
[[Category: Ethical schools and movements]]
[[Category: Epistemology]]
[[Category: Religious ethics]]
[[es:Probabilismo]]
[[ru:Пробабилизм]]