Explanation must be distinguished from justification  Every human action potentially has an explanation; that is, with sufficient knowledge it would be possible to give an accurate description of the causes of that action  An action is justified only when the person performing the action has sufficient reasons for the action  According to many psychologists, even when there is a justification for an action, that justification often forms no part of the explanation
The general principle, however, is that only an action whose justification, that is, the reasons for the action, forms an essential part of its explanation is rational
If there are any reasons among the causes of an action, then that action is rational.