The rationale of rationalization. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Veit, Walter; Dewhurst, Joe; Dołęga, Krzysztof; Jones, Max; Stanley, Shaun; Frankish, Keith; Dennett, Daniel C.
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 43(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X19002164
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: While we agree in broad strokes with the characterisation of rationalization as a "useful fiction, " we think that Fiery Cushman's claim remains ambiguous in two crucial respects: (1) the reality of beliefs and desires, that is, the fictional status of folk-psychological entities and (2) the degree to which they should be understood as useful. Our aim is to clarify both points and explicate the rationale of rationalization.