Logical Errors

Logical Fallacies

Faulty Arguments

Cause and Effect

Rationalization

The fallacy of rationalization, mentioned in previous chapters, involves finding socially acceptable reasons to justify one's actions, when the real reasons would probably draw disapproval if honestly expressed. We can list an endless number of rationalizations, depending on our opinions of the "real" reasons for another's behavior. Probably we can identify our own rationalizations most accurately. To decide that a certain logical proposition constitutes a rationalization involves an inevitable value judgment on our part. For example, I've heard the statement made by staff people of some mental hospitals concerning the continual sedation of the inmates there: "We have to medicate them for their own good. Many of them couldn't function without tranquilizers or sedatives to stabilize their conditions." It seems to me that people who go through their entire waking hours in a stuporous condition stand little chance of learning to deal their problems effectively, since their more complex thought processes no longer operate clearly. They do, however, become quite docile and easily manageable by the hospital staff, which it seems to me may be the "real" reason for the continual use of drugs. A suspected rationalization should invite further inquiry and closer examination of the premises.

Parent Topics:

Map of Logical Errors