What fallacy is committed when people choose to reinforce their beliefs without considering valid arguments against them?

The correct choice is identified as Wishful Thinking because it describes a cognitive bias where individuals hold onto beliefs or desires despite evidence or arguments suggesting otherwise. This fallacy involves the tendency to accept information that aligns with one's existing beliefs while dismissing or ignoring contradicting evidence. Wishful Thinking emphasizes an emotional investment in a particular outcome or idea, making it difficult for a person to remain objective and consider alternative viewpoints or valid counterarguments.

The other concepts do not capture this specific behavior. Conservatism could imply a reluctance to change beliefs over time, but it does not directly address the dismissal of valid criticisms or counterarguments. Causal Oversimplification refers to the simplification of complex issues into overly simple causal relationships, which is not about reinforcing beliefs against opposing arguments. Academic Detachment indicates an impartial or neutral stance in academic discussions, rather than an emotional bias toward reinforcing existing beliefs. Each of these alternatives fails to address the core dynamic of emotional bias seen in Wishful Thinking.