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MENTAL MODEL · M3942

Rationalization

Rationalization
BehaviorHigh supportPsychology
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Providing seemingly reasonable explanations for irrational behaviors or beliefs to protect self-esteem and reduce cognitive dissonance.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

A tool for honest self-reflection. It reminds us that we may unconsciously make excuses for our actions, encouraging us to confront true motives rather than fabricate false reasons.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Rationalization refers to the individual's tendency to find seemingly reasonable external reasons for motives that are not accepted by society or oneself (self-defense), or, as Weber put it, the process of systematizing behavior into instrumental rationality. It can be a psychological defense or a trend of social modernization.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RationalizationZH · Explicit
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