the doctrine that although certainty is impossible, probability is a sufficient basis for belief and action
2.
the principle of Roman Catholic moral theology that in a situation in which authorities differ as to what is the right course of action it is permissible to follow any course which has the support of some authority
Derived forms
probabilist (ˈprobabilist)
noun, adjective
probabilistic (ˌprobabilˈistic)
adjective
probabilistically (ˌprobabilˈistically)
adverb
probabilism in American English
(ˈprɑbəbəlˌɪzəm)
noun
1. Philosophy
the doctrine that certainty in knowledge is impossible and that probability is a sufficient basis for action and belief
2. Roman CatholicChurch
the principle that in matters concerning which there is more than one probable opinion, it is lawful to follow any one of them