Theologia Moralis, in Quinque Libros Partita, by Paul Laymann. Monachii: Formis Nicolai Henrici, 1626.
Call Number: SpC.241.0402 L4275h 1626
Casuistry, or case-based reasoning, is a classic method popularized in early modern Roman Catholic moral theology to resolve moral questions or dilemmas. This approach begins by thoroughly examining the moral or ethical case in question, establishing in detail all the relevant circumstances that are presented by the case. The case is then compared to the appropriate moral paradigm or ethical standard attempting to draw a conclusion which authentically respects the moral principle but applies it reasonably and rationally to the case at hand.
This theological methodology was popularized by the Jesuits and other moral theologians of the early modern period. One of the most distinguished of these Jesuit moral theologians was Paul Laymann (1574-1632) who worked in the German areas of the Holy Roman Empire.
In February 1655, Jean-François Mousnier a Lazarist missionary in Madagascar wrote to Vincent de Paul with a long wish list of items needed by the far away mission; he mentions in passing the need “for the writings of Laymann or Bonacina on cases of conscience.”1In the same month, in a letter to Étienne Blatiron the superior in Genoa, concerning the thorny question of the introduction of simple vows into the Congregation of the Mission, Vincent notes in passing the opinion of Laymann which he cites to support his position that since the intention for introducing these simple vows into the Congregation is not to establish the members of the Congregation as “religious” then the effect of these vows cannot be imputed to this result.2
It seems clear that Vincent used this theological methodology in resolving important questions and cases of conscience. The Jansenists, (including most famously the philosopher Blaise Pascal) who were theological enemies of the Jesuits would later try with great success to label this method as nothing more than a means to excuse and justify a dangerous moral laxity. Vincent de Paul could never be accused of encouraging moral laxity, and his own experience of the successful use of the methodology seems to have given him one of the early warning signals that would eventually lead him to oppose Jansenism.
1 Vincent de Paul. Correspondence, Conferences, Documents, Vol. 5, p. 298.
2 Vincent de Paul. Correspondence, Conferences, Documents, Vol. 5, p. 319.
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St. Vincent’s Reading List is a recurring blog series exploring texts known to have been read and recommended by Saint Vincent de Paul, those which can be presumed to have been read by him, and works published during his lifetime (1581-1660) illustrating his world. All materials discussed are held by DePaul University’s John T. Richardson Library. The entire series may be viewed here.