Final answer:
Justification in terms of higher principles is a cognitive disengagement technique in which individuals rationalize their behavior by appealing to a higher authority or purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
Justification in terms of higher principles is a cognitive disengagement technique in which individuals rationalize their behavior by appealing to a higher authority or purpose. This technique involves substituting acceptable reasons for less-acceptable real reasons for their actions. For example, someone may justify stealing by claiming that they did it to save a loved one's life.
This cognitive strategy helps individuals distance themselves from the potential negative consequences of their behavior by framing it within a context of moral righteousness.