noun
the principle of the thing; the way things work; the natural order of things
Refers to the fundamental logic, reason, or natural law behind how things are or should be. Often used when explaining why something is inevitable or justifiable.
物の道理をわきまえた行動をしなさい。
Act with an understanding of the way things work.
彼の説明は物の道理にかなっている。
His explanation accords with the principle of the thing.
Compound of 物 (もの, 'thing') + の (possessive particle) + 道理 (どうり, 'reason, principle'). Literally 'the principle of things'.