Ad consequentiam

Appeal to consequences is an argument that concludes a hypothesis (typically a belief) to be either true or false based on whether the premise leads to desirable or undesirable consequences. This is based on an appeal to emotion and is a type of informal fallacy, since the desirability of a premise's consequence does not make the premise true. Moreover, in categorizing consequences as either desirable or undesirable, such arguments inherently contain subjective points of view.

1. I want something to be true and factual.
2. Therefore it is true and factual.

To think wishfully, just act as if what you want is true and either has happened or is about to happen.

Despite the obvious falsehood of this fallacy, it is surprising how often it appears. It is often also surprising how often people do not realize that they are doing it, as subconscious desires appear through assumptions of truth.

People who use wishful thinking often supplement it with emotional states such as aggression or pleading, seeking either to batter others into accepting their assertion or otherwise adopt a child position.

Wishing can actually lead to something becoming true, where the person acts to reduce the dissonance of conflicting reality and wishes.

When faced with the truth, they are very likely to use denial or use some other form of defense.