Thread: Rationalization
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Old 08-04-2004, 03:48 PM   #9 (permalink)
anti fishstick
Post-modernism meets Individualism AKA the Clash
 
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Quote:
Originally posted by Master_Shake
I disagree. This person only acted irresponsibly because society generally disproves of non-monogamous relationships. The guilt comes from internalizing the nonsense rules that society imposes. Rationalizing those nonsense rules away is a good thing; when closely examined, very few of society's rules make any sense because so many are based on superstition, antiquated notions of morality and just plain stupidity. The individual should be free to act in his/her best interests, not just what society says is best.
I don't understand your point of view. You're saying that society has nonsense rules we should get rid of and do everything we can to rationalize against? Society has these rules specifically for a common code of moral convention that most people adhere to. People who do not obey these conventions are probably breaking the law and will recieve the consequences. Would you rather we have no convention and an anarchaic society? I understand your conventions may be different than the rest of society and that's fine. Not everyone can be fit into this mold, and I certainly don't agree with all of it either (particularly when we cross the line between public and private domain and law), but it's there only for our benefit.

This person acted irresponsibly in the sense that his actions were all being lead by doubts and insecurities. He let emotions and rationalization dominate his choices which isn't a responsible thing, regardless of society looking down on non-monogamous relationships. Would breaking out in anger and quickly deciding to break up with someone "in the heat of a moment" be a responsible decision? It is the same kind of thing.. People can be impulsive and regret it later but decide to rationalize instead of confront the situation. This only leads to more and more impulsive behaviour and rationalization because it is a cycle. Personally, I agree with Will that we should take a second look at our lazy and rationalizing behaviours.
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