Definitions

casuistry     kazh‧oo‧uh‧stree   /ˈkæʒ u ə stri/

1. The process of answering practical questions via interpretation of rules, or of cases that illustrate such rules, especially in ethics; case-based reasoning. 
2. (derogatory) A specious argument designed to defend an action or feeling.

specious  spee‧shuhs     /ˈspi ʃəs/

1. Seemingly well-reasoned, plausible or true, but actually fallacious. 
2. Employing fallacious but deceptively plausible arguments; deceitful. 
3. Having an attractive appearance intended to generate a favorable response; deceptively attractive. 

spurious    spyoor‧ee‧uhs    /ˈspyʊər i əs/

1. False, not authentic, not genuine. 
2. Extraneous; stray; not relevant or wanted.

References

• Labor Statistics
• Specious vs Spurious
• (Inspiration for episode) Revisionist History
• Analysis of Witch Trial
• Cognitive Biases (The Atlantic)
• Way too much info about the Catholic Church in re: Casuistry
• Cognitive Bias (Kahneman)

Sillyness

• Monty Python Witch Trial