Wishful thinking claims something is true simply because it is desirable. It replaces evidence with hope and is common in superstitious rhetoric.
Example
“We need everything to go well, so it will.”
(Desire is not evidence.)
Applied example (mystical)
“The universe wants this to happen, therefore it will happen.”
(Intention is attributed without evidence.)
Why it is fallacious
- It confuses preference with reality.
- It ignores contrary data.
- It supports decisions without evidence.
How to spot it
- Appeals to what we “want” to happen.
- Risks and probabilities are ignored.
- No proofs are presented.
How to respond
- Ask for evidence and alternative scenarios.
- Separate hope from diagnosis.
- Evaluate with data, not wishes.