Motivated reasoning
Reasoning toward the answer you want to be true.
What Is Motivated reasoning?
Motivated reasoning is a thinking trap where reasoning toward the answer you want to be true.
How It Tricks You
It can make a conclusion feel proven because it fits what already seems true.
Real-World Example
A fan explains away every bad call against their favorite team.
Examples in Daily Life
Finding many reasons that a desired purchase is practical while dismissing the same reasons for an unwanted expense.
Scrutinizing evidence against your proposal more aggressively than evidence supporting it.
Calling friendly sources credible and hostile sources biased before comparing their actual methods or evidence.
Seen Online As
- I am not defending my side; I am just following the facts.
- The evidence against my position probably has a hidden flaw.
- I keep finding reasons why the conclusion I want is the fair one.
Motivated reasoning vs. Confirmation bias
Confirmation bias favors supporting information. Motivated reasoning is the broader process of constructing, evaluating, and interpreting arguments in ways that protect a desired conclusion or identity.
How To Reduce Motivated reasoning
- Name the outcome you hope is true before evaluating the evidence.
- Use the same scrutiny for friendly and unfriendly claims.
- Write the strongest case for the conclusion you least want.
What To Ask Instead
What outcome am I hoping for?
Related Thinking Traps
Common Situations
Related Reading
Quick FAQ
What is Motivated reasoning?
Reasoning toward the answer you want to be true.
What is an example of Motivated reasoning?
A fan explains away every bad call against their favorite team.
How do I spot Motivated reasoning?
What outcome am I hoping for?
How can I reduce Motivated reasoning?
Name the outcome you hope is true before evaluating the evidence. Use the same scrutiny for friendly and unfriendly claims. Write the strongest case for the conclusion you least want.