In [[psychology]] and [[logic]], '''rationalization''' (or making excuses) is an informal [[fallacy]] of [[reasoning]] in which one constructs a logical justification for a [[belief]], [[decision]], [[action]] or lack thereof that was [[originally]] arrived at through a [[different]] mental [[process]]. It is a [[defense]] [[mechanism]] in which perceived controversial [[behaviors]] or [[feelings]] are explained in a [[rational]] or [[logical]] [[manner]] to avoid the true explanation of the behavior or feeling in question. | In [[psychology]] and [[logic]], '''rationalization''' (or making excuses) is an informal [[fallacy]] of [[reasoning]] in which one constructs a logical justification for a [[belief]], [[decision]], [[action]] or lack thereof that was [[originally]] arrived at through a [[different]] mental [[process]]. It is a [[defense]] [[mechanism]] in which perceived controversial [[behaviors]] or [[feelings]] are explained in a [[rational]] or [[logical]] [[manner]] to avoid the true explanation of the behavior or feeling in question. |