Article — Marc, Institutiones Morales
Article II: On the Use of Probability
- The argument of great moment, whose treatment we undertake, can be stated in these words:
How a certain dictate of conscience can be formed when, on account of diverse opinions, one of which stands for the law and the other for liberty, direct certitude cannot be had. Here a solution concerning the particular case is not sought, but a certain and universal norm by which it may safely be discerned both when it is lawful to follow an opinion favoring liberty and when we are bound to follow an opinion favoring the law.
To solve this question a twofold case must be distinguished: according as the question is moved concerning only the honesty of the action, or there intervenes the danger of some evil absolutely to be avoided, which does not depend on the dictate of conscience. In the latter case, the use of probability is entirely unlawful; but in the former case, it can be lawful.