(Both of these are in some sense a form of "rationalization": "thinking" being the rationalization of data primarily via forward propagation to any conclusionspace in a relatively wide set of possible conclusionspaces, "explaining" being the rationalization of narrow conclusionspaces primarily via backpropagation. But when people use the word "rationalization" they almost always mean the latter. I hope the processes actually are sufficiently distinct such that it's not a bad idea to praise the former while demonizing the latter; I do have some trepidation over the whole "rationalization is bad" campaign.)
How do you notice when you're rationalizing? Like, what *actually* tips you off, in real life?
I've listed my cues below; please add your own (one idea per comment), and upvote the comments that you either: (a) use; or (b) will now try using.
I'll be using this list in a trial rationality seminar on Wednesday; it also sounds useful in general.