Rationalization is not Justification

Gain-of-function bioweapons research can be rationalized to an ignorant audience by telling them that “this will help keep you safe” by allowing us to “better understand how viruses function”

Definition and distinction

I think that we all do/could/should find value in analyzing data and conversations sufficiently to distinguish whether the argument/data being presented is rationalization or justification; let’s start by defining those terms herein using the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (linked below):

• rationalization: the act, process, or result of rationalizing : a way of describing, interpreting, or explaining something (such as bad behavior) that makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc.

• justification: an acceptable reason for doing something : something that justifies an act or way of behaving

The term “ration” implies a small or personal portion or a limited amount of something that serves only one person, e.g., a ration of food. From this, we might remember that rationalization is essentially self-serving, unlike justice which implies a larger, social context.

Rationalization is not Justification

We all learn from the experience of being/working with manipulative people that they can rationalize anything, even if what they are rationalizing is unjustifiable. Examples:

1. Serial killers and politicians rationalize the murder of innocent people, but this does not make such actions justified.

2. Forcing millions of people to wear facemasks under the pretense of public health when the research accumulated for decades has shown that this practice is ineffective or harmful shows that the mandate is not justified, but it can be rationalized with sufficient confusion, fear, and gibberish.

3. Gain-of-function bioweapons research can be rationalized to an ignorant audience by telling them that “this will help keep you safe” by allowing us to “better understand how viruses function” but that’s obvious BS because if the goal is to provide safety then engaging in high-risk bioweapons development is not necessary.

The the video above, Mr Fauci (who should have his titles withdrawn) states that the US government did not pay for gain of function research even when government websites clearly show that the government paid for this research:

Tools for memorization

One might remember the difference in these terms by recalling that “rationality” is inherently anthropocentric and essentially “held within the mind” where as the “just” aspect of “justification” implies justice, correctness, perspective and context.

Another and perhaps better way to remember this distinction is to see that “ration” implies a small or personal portion or a limited amount of something that serves only one person, e.g., a ration of food. From this, we might remember that rationalization is essentially self-serving, unlike justice which implies a larger, social context.

Fraud triangle is an incomplete model

Ongoing fraud requires 4 not 3 components:

1. Desire/pressure: “I want [power, domination, money].”

2. Opportunity: “I can use my political position to create fear that will sell drugs that will profit me and give me more power.”

3. Rationalization: “I can tell myself and others that what I am doing is for public health.”

4. Social permissiveness: “The systems of correction and accountability are so weak that I am sure I can get away with this.”

Citations:

1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rationalization

2. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justification

3. https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-people-rationalize-fraud-kelly-richmond-pope

QUICKLY Understanding and Dealing with Manipulative People in Your Personal Life, Job, and National Politics