rationalize

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rationalize

(răsh′ə-nə-līz′)

To devise self-satisfying but false or inconsistent reasons for one's behavior, especially as an unconscious defense mechanism through which irrational acts or feelings are made to appear rational to oneself.

ra′tion·al·i·za′tion (-lĭ-zā′shən) n.

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References in periodicals archive ?

Conventional rationalizers largely take folk morality for granted.

Thoughts on Jason Brennan's The Ethics of Voting

Rationalization in child adoption has been only partially successful, especially if we measure success practically, as rationalizers did themselves, by counting legislative reforms, calculating the growth of professional authority, and computing the superior outcomes of adoption arranged by experts.