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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
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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