1. Plural of probabilism; philosophical or theological doctrines that emphasize probability or likelihood as a basis for belief or action, especially in cases of moral uncertainty.
Usage: formal; philosophy/theology; often used in academic or religious contexts
2. In Catholic moral theology, systems of thought that permit following a probable opinion in matters of conscience even when a more rigorous opinion exists.
Usage: theology; historical; Catholic tradition

Examples

• Medieval theologians debated various probabilisms regarding moral decision-making.
• The probabilisms of the Jesuit tradition allowed flexibility in ethical judgments.
• Different probabilisms emerged in response to questions about certainty and doubt.
• Scholars studied how probabilisms influenced Catholic confessional practice.
• The competing probabilisms reflected broader philosophical disagreements about knowledge and belief.