pretexts

A pretext is a reason or excuse given for an action that is not the real motive. The term derives from Latin and entered English through French, with meanings related to concealment and cloak. In general use, a pretext is designed to hide the true purpose behind a publicly stated justification.

Pretexts occur in everyday interactions, diplomacy, and law. They can be harmless social pretexts, such as declining an invitation for unrelated reasons, or they can be strategic or deceptive tools used to protect privacy, avoid conflict, or pursue hidden objectives. A key distinction is between a pretext and a genuine motive or a straightforward justification; a pretext masks the latter.

In law and social science, the concept of pretext appears in discussions of discrimination and employment: an employer's stated reasons for a decision may be challenged as a pretext if evidence suggests the true motive lies elsewhere. The related practice of pretexting involves obtaining information through false pretenses, which is generally illegal or regulated.

Because pretexts involve deception, they raise ethical questions. They can be perceived as manipulative or as pragmatically necessary in sensitive negotiations. Context and intent matter, and the acceptability of a pretext depends on norms, laws, and the potential harm caused.