a rational justification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rational justification" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reasoning or logic behind a decision, belief, or action. Example: "In order to support his argument, he provided a rational justification for his stance on the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

There was a rational justification for both decisions.

The Guardian

These cases forced public officials to try to articulate a rational justification for this exclusion.

The New York Times

But when it came to a rational justification, no, I don't have one.

The New York Times

"Just because a couple legislators may have had an improper motive" is irrelevant, Mr. Clement said, adding that the usual question for the court was simply whether the challenged law was supported by a rational justification.

The New York Times

This may or may not speak to the fact that institutions and occupations often install prerequisites just to look rigorous — hardly a rational justification for maintaining so many mathematics mandates.

The New York Times

So the Nyāya-Vaiśeṣikas need to give a rational justification for the perceptibility of a triad.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The great thing about selecting your 50 "coolest" Web sites is that "cool" does not require any rational justification.

The Guardian - Tech

This suggests that perhaps an evolutionary component is a factor here, and that some people have brains that are susceptible to immediately hating foreigners without any rational justification.

Huffington Post

Writing for himself and another judge on the panel, Judge Guido Calabresi claimed that a "simple preference for dentists over teeth-whiteners" would be a sufficiently "rational" justification for constitutional purposes, even if the challenged rule did nothing to -- and was not designed to -- protect public health.

Huffington Post

One must have a logical or rational justification for accepting the validity of a concept.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The kernel of the argument is the familiar claim that atheists tend to have too narrow a conception of rational justification.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rational justification", ensure that the reasoning is not only logical but also clear and easily understandable to your audience. Use evidence and examples to support your justification and enhance its credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting emotional appeals as "a rational justification". While emotions can be persuasive, a rational justification should primarily rely on logic, evidence, and sound reasoning, not subjective feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rational justification" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to the act of providing a logical and reasoned explanation or defense for something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rational justification" is a noun phrase used to describe a logical and reasoned explanation or defense. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, although it appears more frequently in formal writing, news articles and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the reasoning is based on evidence and clear logic, avoiding emotional appeals. Alternatives like "a logical explanation" or "a reasonable basis" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. The frequency of the expression is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical explanation

Focuses on the clarity and coherence of the explanation, emphasizing its logical structure.

a reasonable basis

Highlights the acceptability and fairness of the foundation or grounds for something.

a sound rationale

Emphasizes the solidity and validity of the underlying reasons or principles.

a valid argument

Highlights the formal correctness and persuasiveness of the reasoning presented.

a well-founded reason

Focuses on the strength and reliability of the evidence supporting the reason.

a defensible explanation

Highlights the ability to protect and maintain the explanation against attacks or objections.

a coherent justification

Emphasizes the consistency and unity of the justification's parts.

a reasoned defense

Focuses on the thoughtful and logical presentation of arguments in support.

a substantiated claim

Highlights that the claim is supported by evidence or proof.

a cogent explanation

Emphasizes the clarity, logic, and persuasiveness of the explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "a rational justification" in a sentence?

You can use "a rational justification" to explain the logical reasons behind a decision, belief, or action. For example: "The company provided "a rational justification" for the price increase, citing rising production costs."

What are some alternatives to saying "a rational justification"?

Alternatives include "a logical explanation", "a reasonable basis", or "a sound rationale", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to provide "a rational justification" or "an emotional appeal"?

It depends on the context. "A rational justification" is suitable when you need to persuade through logic and evidence. An emotional appeal might be more effective in situations where you want to connect with people's feelings and values, though it may not provide a logically sound basis for a claim.

What makes a justification "rational"?

A justification is considered "rational" if it's based on reason, logic, and evidence rather than emotions, biases, or unsupported assumptions. It should be clear, coherent, and able to withstand scrutiny.