also, rationalize means justify or create meaning for...so D.

"Existentialism can be used to rationalize evil: if one does not like the rules of society and has no conscience, he may use existen- tialism as a means of ___________ a set of beliefs that are advantageous to him but injurious to others."

So the clue here is that existentialism can be used to RATIONALIZE evil. Someone may use this as a means of rationalizing a set of beliefs. We need another word for rationalizing basically.

A- Thwarting is to prevent something. Illogical here.
B- Proving is to demonstrate something. Illogical here.
C- Promoting means to support or encourage but this doesn't mean rationalise. Incorrect.
D- Justifying means to prove or rationalize. Correct.
E- Impugning means to dispute the truth. Doesn't amount to rationalize.

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