ˈpräbəbəˌlizəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: French probabilisme, from Latin probabilis probable + French -isme -ism — more at probable
1. : a theory that certainty is impossible especially in the physical and social sciences and that probability suffices to govern belief and action
2. : a theory that in moral questions were certainty is impossible and course may be followed that is seen as solidly probable either through clear perception of the principles involved or through awareness of the support of judicious sound authority ; especially : the theory that in moral questions where certainty is impossible any solidly probable course may be followed even though an opposed course is or appears to be more probable — compare equiprobabilism , laxism , probabiliorism , tutiorism