A noted scholar on arms control wrote that "he thinks we think he thinks we think…he thinks we think he'll attack; so he thinks we shall; so he will; so we must." This statement refers to the logic of
A) obscure thinking.
B) deep-seated denial.
C) heightened anxiety.
D) self-fulfilling prophecy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement is describing a self-fulfilling prophecy, where one's belief about another's intentions leads to actions that ultimately result in those intentions being fulfilled. The arms controller believes that others think he will attack, and so he will fulfill that expectation by attacking, leading to a dangerous cycle that must be broken.

A Noted Scholar on Arms Control Wrote That "He Thinks