casuistry

The definition of casuistry is the use of morals or beliefs in decisions of right and wrong in order to reach or rationalize a solution.

(noun)

An example of casuistry is a Buddhist believing that something bad is happening to him because the universe is balancing his karmic debt.

See casuistry in Webster's New World College Dictionary

the application of general principles of ethics to specific problems of right and wrong in conduct, in order to solve or clarify them
subtle but misleading or false reasoning; sophistry, often, specif., about moral issues

Origin: casuist + -ry

See casuistry in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ca·su·ist·ries

Specious or excessively subtle reasoning intended to rationalize or mislead.
The determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by analyzing cases that illustrate general ethical rules.

Origin:

Origin: From casuist

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