casuistry

noun

ca·​su·​ist·​ry ˈkazh-wə-strē 

ˈka-zhə-

plural casuistries

1

: a resolving of specific cases of conscience, duty, or conduct through interpretation of ethical principles or religious doctrine

2

: specious argument : rationalization

Examples of casuistry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But even those long familiar with spectacles of careerist expediency dressed up in faux-altruistic casuistry can only step back in awe when evidence of a new standard of cynical self-aggrandizement comes along. — Gerard Baker, WSJ, 4 Jan. 2021

With his casuistry, Whitman seems intent on convincing himself, more than anyone, that this health regimen will work. — Dan Piepenbring, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1