The Importance of Rationalization

[beth]

RATIONALIZE

transitive verb


1

: to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable: as

a : to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of <rationalize a myth>

b : to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives <rationalized his dislike of his brother> ; broadly : to create an excuse or more attractive explanation for <rationalize the problem>

2

: to free (a mathematical expression) from irrational parts <rationalize a denominator>


3

: to apply the principles of scientific management to (as an industry or its operations) for a desired result (as increased efficiency)

intransitive verb


: to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct

— ra·tio·nal·iz·able adjective

— ra·tio·nal·i·za·tion noun




Examples of RATIONALIZE

She tried to rationalize her grandson's strange behavior by blaming it on the boy's father.
He couldn't rationalize buying such an expensive car.
She knows she shouldn't have done it—she's just trying to rationalize.
Management is thinking of ways to rationalize our system of production.

[beth]

How important is rationalization to you?

Is it a necessary part of thought patterns and discourse ... or a cop out?

Think about it.

[Dex]

Everybody does it. It's the world we live in. He's right. We do it to try and justify what we want to do. I had to leave the house an hour earlier today. That was my excuse to drive through Arby's and get some fast food breakfast. Bad move. Now my stomach is messed up but still I got to do what I wanted to do by making an excuse.

[beth]

It's a waste of time, I think, to attempt to rationalize and justify every off the wall thing we do or decision we make.  Most of the time, with family or people we know well, it's pointless, anyway.

"Why did you leave the bathroom in a wreck this morning?"  

"Because I was running soooo late and I had to turn a paper in before the bell rang in English class or I would get a zero for the day and I knew that I would not have time to do both things ...  and I knew you would WANT me to put the school work first ......."    (proof that I have a teenaged daughter.