racionalizálást
Racionalizálást is a Hungarian term that translates to "rationalization" in English. It refers to the cognitive process of constructing a logical-sounding explanation for a behavior, belief, or feeling that was not arrived at by logic. In essence, it's a defense mechanism where individuals justify their actions or thoughts, often unconsciously, to make them seem more acceptable or reasonable, both to themselves and others. This can involve creating excuses, minimizing negative aspects, or emphasizing positive ones to alleviate cognitive dissonance, the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.
The concept of rationalization is widely studied in psychology, particularly within psychoanalytic and cognitive behavioral theories.