You don't think the way you think you think. The psychology of biases and rationalizations._

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Who me? Rationalize?

Yep. Turns out that everyone rationalizes, even you and I. People have spent a lot of time studying human rationality and irrationality, but not rationalizations.

But rationalizations have serious consequences. Ideologies, broken hearts, and bad medicines are all among the nasty products of rationalizations.

How do you avoid rationalizations, or at least spot them?

Glad you asked. For a quick introduction, read the list of the Top 10 Rationalizations (and pass it along to loved ones). These are the most common rationalizations that fool us in everyday life.

For a longer introduction, a report on rationalizations using psychology and philosophy is available, orginally prepared for a university program in philosophy.

It's all so interesting. Where can I find out more?

Then visit the links section for a list the best books and articles on irrationality in philosophy and psychology. Read on and enjoy!

"What is most important is not dispelling particular erroneous beliefs, but creating an understanding of how we form erroneous beliefs."
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Thomas Gilovich,
How We Know What Isn't So