pretext
A pretext serves the ostensible rationalization and justification of actions and views that actually arise from other motives.
Pretexts can thus facilitate the implementation of the goals pursued with them, since the pretext mentioned is usually intended to represent a better reason for the fellow human beings than the disclosure of the real motive . Therefore, the assertion of the existence of an excuse in a discussion can often also serve as an accusation in order to be able to deny the opposing party their arguments as a real reason for their position, as for example in the "envy debate" regarding the question of social justice . In the sales pitch , an excuse from the potential buyer means a definitive no. If a salesperson argues against it, he is inflicting psychological defeat on the customer.
The user does not necessarily have to be aware of the use of pretexts, for example if the pretext serves not to admit his true motives to himself.
As a widespread phenomenon, pretenses play an important role. Historically, for example, the attack on the Gleiwitz transmitter served as the reason for the opening of Germany's military hostilities against Poland, which marked the beginning of the Second World War .
