The term "magical thinking" as Hedges used it is a slur of sorts in this context, because it misrepresents what magic is, by referring to a popular stereotype. But the phenomenon the phrase refers to, such as expecting an effect to occur because it is desired rather than because any cause is apparent, is rather common, and relevant to the topic. "They'll think of something" is a good example. It would be useful to have an acceptable term for it. "Wishful thinking" might cover it (and certainly covers that example) but might not have quite the same scope.