a reason given (true or invented) to explain or defend one's behaviour or actions

reason, explanation

(an act of making) a statement or decision that is based on too little detail or too few examples

inference

proof, reasons, (for behaviour, an action)

reason, excuse

the basic reasons (for a belief, decision, course of action etc)

logic for belief, action

(a fact suggested or used as) a cause of or justification for something; to use one's power to think and decide

mental analysis

of think; the act, process, of thinking; an idea, opinion, intention etc formed by thinking; consideration; mental attention

formation of mental objects