Todennäköisyysperusteisuus

Todennäköisyysperusteisuus, often translated as probabilism, is a philosophical concept primarily associated with the Jesuit tradition, particularly in the context of moral theology. It addresses the question of how one should act when faced with uncertainty regarding the morality of an action. The core principle of probabilism states that if a moral theologian can find a sufficiently probable opinion supporting the lawfulness of an action, even if there is a more probable opinion to the contrary, it is permissible to follow the less probable opinion.

The concept is rooted in the idea that a doubtful law does not oblige. If there is a sound and probable argument for the permissibility of an action, even if it is not the *most* probable argument, then the doubt about its lawfulness is considered sufficiently resolved to allow the action. This does not mean any arbitrary opinion is acceptable; the supporting opinion must have a solid foundation, often based on respected authorities or sound reasoning.

Probabilism emerged as a response to more stringent moral systems like rigorism, which demanded absolute certainty or the most probable opinion in all moral matters. It offers a more lenient approach, allowing for a degree of freedom in decision-making when moral certainty is unattainable. However, it also distinguishes itself from laxism, which would permit acting on even a weakly supported opinion. The debate around probabilism and its various formulations, such as equiprobabilism, has been a significant part of ethical discussions within certain theological traditions.