Which reasoning style is characterized by offering excuses for an unfavorable outcome without taking responsibility?

Rationalization is a reasoning style where individuals provide excuses or justifications for their actions or the outcomes that they experience, especially when those outcomes are negative or unfavorable. This tactic allows a person to avoid taking full responsibility for their decisions or the consequences of those decisions by framing them in a way that makes them feel more acceptable. For instance, if someone fails to meet a goal, they might blame external factors or other people instead of acknowledging their own role in the situation. This process serves to protect the individual's self-esteem and maintain a positive self-image while avoiding accountability.

In contrast, accountability involves recognizing and owning up to one’s actions and their results, which is contrary to the concept of rationalization. Illogical reasoning does not pertain specifically to offering excuses; rather, it refers to a pattern of thinking that lacks coherence or sound logic. Empirical thinking relies on observation and evidence, seeking to understand situations through factual data rather than personal justification or excuses. Thus, rationalization distinctly encapsulates the idea of deflecting responsibility through excuses, affirming that it is the correct response in this context.