When is someone suspected of only believing what they want to believe, regardless of evidence?

The concept of wishing or wanting to believe something despite contrary evidence is best captured by the term "wishful thinking." This occurs when an individual holds beliefs that are shaped more by their desires or hopes than by objective evidence or rationality. In essence, wishful thinking leads a person to interpret information in a way that aligns with what they want to be true, often ignoring facts that contradict those beliefs.

This phenomenon often influences decision-making and perceptions, as individuals may choose to cling to comforting or desirable narratives instead of recognizing reality. This can lead to flawed reasoning and poor judgment, as the desired outcome overshadows critical analysis of available evidence.

In contrast, academic detachment refers to maintaining an unbiased stance in evaluating facts and theories, which does not coincide with selective belief. Causal oversimplification involves attributing complex issues to a single cause, often missing nuances rather than choosing beliefs based on preference. Inconceivability denotes the inability to envision something happening, which does not inherently relate to the acceptance or rejection of evidence based on personal beliefs.