People Are Not Rational; They Rationalise 125 Marks

Structure of the Essay:

Introduction:

You can start the introduction through following ways:

• Start with a general introduction/anecdote/an example/a short story/a poem/a quote/a recent event or trend etc which can help in describing the need for self-reliance.
• “The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.” Socrates’ Provide an example of Rationalization. Rationalization is the use of feeble but supposedly convincing reasons to either justify or make something appear ‘not so bad after all.’ Rationalization is a mental process that is fueled by self-awareness and allows one to reflect on what they are doing. However, while making decisions, we frequently prioritise our own self-interest and perceptions and viewpoints, even if these do not stand the test of practical, moral, or ethical yardsticks. We are always reasonable to ourselves. Even our worst acts can always be rationalised.

Thesis Statement:

• It is a transition statement between introduction and body of the essay.
• In thesis statement, you should write outline of the body with your own arguments. You should prove these arguments in body of the essay with relevant examples.

Body of the essay:

• When anything goes wrong, our initial instinct is to make a persuasive justification for our actions. We try to explain or justify our own actions and attitudes with logical, reasonable justifications, even if they are irrelevant or false. We have a tendency to assert that what we believe must be accepted without question or critical evaluation by everyone. We have a plethora of justifications and reasons to believe that what we do or think is correct and should be accepted with unquestioned faith and trust. Otherwise, anyone who does not do this is either a competitor or an uninformed person. This demonstrates a closed mind. This is proof of obstinacy. This demonstrates an authoritarian mind.
• This is unethical. Such an attitude has numerous negative implications. Discuss the personal, social, and national ramifications of such an attitude. The consequences are significantly more visible in business and diplomacy. The repercussions of such thinking and behaviours may provide some favourable outcomes in a limited number of instances, but it is often destined to lead to the acceptance and implementation of ideas without any inspection, which when implemented have more negative effects than positive effects. Political parties, governments, economic policymakers, people, and businesses are all prone to rationalising their policies and acting indefensibly.

Conclusion:

• This is the information era, and everyone, voluntarily or unwillingly, must withstand examination. Democracy makes it even more unavoidable to be scrutinised. The war of ideas and propaganda make it even more difficult to conceal the basic goal behind explaining our actions and positions. Above all, we must account to our conscience for all of our actions. Before saying or doing anything, one should pause and reflect. We must think and act logically. It is not immediate success that is important. What counts is the end result, our ultimate image, reputation, brand, and trust, among other things. No amount of rationalisation can justify a bad idea or action.