What reasoning is contained in the assumption that President Reagan will continue defense spending regardless of the economy?

The assumption that President Reagan will continue defense spending regardless of the economy embodies the concept of inconceivability. This reasoning suggests that it is difficult to imagine a scenario where political decisions would be swayed or altered by economic conditions, implying a rigid mindset about the government's priorities. This perspective doesn’t consider valid factors such as public sentiment, potential political consequences, or shifting economic needs, reinforcing a belief that certain actions (like defense spending) can persist unchanged regardless of varying circumstances. This type of reasoning tends to underestimate the complexity of political decision-making, which can often be influenced by economic realities.

By contrast, other options suggest different cognitive biases or logical fallacies that don't fit as neatly in this context, showing that inconceivability correctly captures the assumption's nature.