Post hoc ergo propter hoc: some benefits of rationalization
Publication
, Journal Article
Summers, JS
Published in: Philosophical Explorations
March 24, 2017
Research suggests that the explicit reasoning we offer to ourselves and to others is often rationalization, that we act instead on instincts, inclinations, stereotypes, emotions, neurobiology, habits, reactions, evolutionary pressures, unexamined principles, or justifications other than the ones we think we’re acting on, then we tell a post hoc story to justify our actions. I consider two benefits of rationalization, once we realize that rationalization is sincere. It allows us to work out, under practical pressure of rational consistency, which are good reasons to act on. Rationalization also prompts us to establish meaningful patterns out of merely permissible options.
Duke Scholars
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Published In
Philosophical Explorations
DOI
EISSN
1741-5918
ISSN
1386-9795
Publication Date
March 24, 2017
Volume
20
Start / End Page
21 / 36
Related Subject Headings
- Experimental Psychology
- 5003 Philosophy
- 2203 Philosophy
Citation
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ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Summers, J. S. (2017). Post hoc ergo propter hoc: some benefits of rationalization. Philosophical Explorations, 20, 21–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/13869795.2017.1287292
Summers, J. S. “Post hoc ergo propter hoc: some benefits of rationalization.” Philosophical Explorations 20 (March 24, 2017): 21–36. https://doi.org/10.1080/13869795.2017.1287292.
Summers JS. Post hoc ergo propter hoc: some benefits of rationalization. Philosophical Explorations. 2017 Mar 24;20:21–36.
Summers, J. S. “Post hoc ergo propter hoc: some benefits of rationalization.” Philosophical Explorations, vol. 20, Mar. 2017, pp. 21–36. Scopus, doi:10.1080/13869795.2017.1287292.
Summers JS. Post hoc ergo propter hoc: some benefits of rationalization. Philosophical Explorations. 2017 Mar 24;20:21–36.
Published In
Philosophical Explorations
DOI
EISSN
1741-5918
ISSN
1386-9795
Publication Date
March 24, 2017
Volume
20
Start / End Page
21 / 36
Related Subject Headings
- Experimental Psychology
- 5003 Philosophy
- 2203 Philosophy