(psychology) A cognitive process that occurs when an individual believes what one is feeling is true regardless of the evidence.

plural of motivated reasoning

The phenomenon of seeking out rational arguments in favor of a conclusion already reached for non-rational (chiefly emotional) reasons.

(computing) The process of solving new problems based on the known solutions of similar problems encountered in the past.

(law) A fictional person used as a comparative legal standard to represent an average member of society and how he or she would behave or think, especially in determining negligence; sometimes formulated as "a person of ordinary prudence exercising due care in like circumstances."

(idiomatic) To seem logical, rational, or reasonable; to make sense.

(US, idiomatic) For reasons unknown and not worth speculating on.

(idiomatic, chiefly in the negative) Logic; common sense.

(philosophy) The use of reason to decide how to act.

(law) A degree of uncertainty to which a reason can be assigned; in those jurisdictions influenced by English common law, the minimum degree of uncertainty required to acquit a defendant.