The word "rationalise away" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈræʃənl-aɪz əˈweɪ/. The first syllable is pronounced "rash-uh-nal" with the "a" sounding like the "a" in "cat". The second syllable is pronounced "ize" with the "i" sounding like the "i" in "prize". The third syllable is pronounced "a" like the "a" in "say", and the last syllable is pronounced "way" with the "a" sounding like the "a" in "may". Together, the word means to justify or explain something in a logical or reasonable manner, often resulting in the removal of uncomfortable or unwanted information.
Rationalise away refers to the psychological mechanism or cognitive process by which individuals justify or explain their behaviors, decisions, or beliefs in a seemingly logical or reasonable manner, often disregarding or downplaying any underlying emotional or irrational factors. It involves using logical reasoning or plausible explanations to restore a sense of coherence or consistency to one's thoughts or actions.
When individuals rationalise away, they tend to generate justifications that align with their preexisting attitudes, values, or self-interests. This allows them to preserve a positive self-image or avoid uncomfortable cognitive dissonance. For example, someone may rationalise away their purchase of an expensive item by focusing on its perceived long-term benefits or how it fits with their lifestyle, even if it exceeds their budget.
While rationalisation can serve as a coping mechanism to alleviate guilt or anxiety, it can also lead to self-deception or bias in decision-making. The process of rationalising away can hinder self-reflection, accountability, and personal growth by obscuring the true motives or reasons behind certain behaviors.
Rationalisation is commonly observed in various contexts, including interpersonal relationships, politics, and business. Recognising its influence can help individuals introspect and critically evaluate their own reasoning to ensure that it is not merely a means of justifying questionable actions or beliefs.
The word "rationalise" is derived from the Latin word "rationalis", which means "rational" or "reasonable". It comes from the noun "ratio" meaning "reason". The term "rationalise" gained usage in English around the late 18th century, primarily meaning to think or explain something in a logical and rational way.
The phrase "rationalise away" is an extension of the verb "rationalise". Here, "away" is used as an adverb, meaning to remove, diminish, or dismiss something. Hence, "rationalise away" implies the act of using reason or logical arguments to dismiss or diminish the significance or impact of something.