Ford is considering driving his car onto a lake that appears to be frozen, but may not be safe. he thinks to himself, "only dummies fall through the ice in their cars, and i am no dummy, so i will drive on the ice even though i am not sure it’s safe." ford’s decision best exemplifies the concept of

an illusion of invulnerability.

Explanation:

Irving Janis who was a research psychologist has described eight symptoms of group-think:

1. Invulnerability.

2. Rationale.

3. Morality.

4. Stereotypes.

5. Pressure.

6. Self-censorship.

7. Illusion of Unanimity.

8. Mind Guards.

And, the illusion of invulnerability is one of the symptoms of group-think. It describes the over-confidence in the process of decision-making leads to form or create an illusion of invulnerability in which a person believes that he or she is invulnerable to any barrier or obstacle, allowing them to push or thrust aside analytical and clear thinking.

the old way of life was represented by superstition, an angry god, and absolute submission to authority. the thinkers of the age of reason ushered in a new way of thinking. this new way championed the accomplishments of humankind. individuals did not have to accept despair. science and reason could bring happiness and progress. kings did not rule by divine right. they had an obligation to their subjects. europeans pondered the implications for nearly a century. americans put them into practice first.