RATIONALIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Rationalization is a cognitive process by which individuals or groups attempt to explain or justify their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors in a logical and reasonable manner, often in order to alleviate discomfort, guilt, or conflict. It involves constructing plausible, but often self-serving, explanations to make one's actions or decisions seem rational and morally acceptable, even if they may not be objectively justifiable.
In psychological terms, rationalization can be seen as a defense mechanism used to protect one's self-esteem and maintain a consistent self-image. It allows individuals to maintain a sense of coherence between their actions and their beliefs or values, despite any inconsistencies or contradictions. This process often involves distorting or reframing information, selectively emphasizing certain aspects while minimizing or ignoring others, so that a more favorable interpretation can be made.
Rationalization can occur in various contexts, including personal relationships, work environments, or societal situations. It can manifest in different ways, such as attributing blame to external factors, downplaying one's responsibility, or reinterpreting events to suit a desired narrative. The underlying intention is often to avoid feelings of guilt, remorse, or cognitive dissonance.
While rationalization can sometimes serve as a useful cognitive strategy to cope with difficult situations, it can also enable individuals to deceive themselves or others, overlooking the potential negative consequences of their actions. It is important to examine the rationalizations we employ and critically evaluate whether they truly align with ethical principles and objective evidence, or if they are merely self-serving justifications that hinder personal growth and interpersonal harmony.
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The necessity felt for finding a reason or explanation for every phenomenon; the alleging of a commendable reason for some act really performed for an unworthy reason.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RATIONALIZATION
Etymology of RATIONALIZATION
The word "rationalization" derives from the verb "rationalize", which originated in the early 19th century. It comes from the adjective "rational" which was borrowed from the Latin "ratiōnālis", meaning "reasonable" or "having reason". The suffix "-ize" was added to form the verb, indicating the act or process of making something rational. Thus, "rationalization" refers to the process of justifying or explaining something based on logical reasoning, sometimes in an attempt to make it seem more acceptable or reasonable.
Similar spelling words for RATIONALIZATION
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