Difference between revisions of "False dilemma"
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| − | [[Category: | + | ==Overview== |
| + | [[Category:power structure tools]][[Category:logical fallacies]]A [[false dilemma]] is an argument "in which two alternative points of view are held to be the only options" {{wpalt|false dilemma}} when in fact other reasonable options are available. | ||
| − | + | The false dilemma is often used as a manipulative tool by claiming that the "only other choice" is something which is obviously unreasonable, unpleasant, or unpalatable. The technique is usually used to persuade its audience of a viewpoint that is some distance from a reasonable, "middle ground" solution; the arguer generally wants the audience to dismiss the possibility of a "middle ground" which they might otherwise agree with. | |
| − | + | ||
| + | False dilemma arguers will sometimes take steps to prevent any middle-ground choices from being feasible, thus combining the false dilemma with an [[argument by fiat]] and/or an [[argument by force]]. | ||
| + | ==Examples== | ||
| + | * The phrase "You're either with us, or you're against us.", often used by [[George W. Bush]] and [[neoconservative|his supporters]] | ||
* "You're either part of the solution, or you're part of the problem." | * "You're either part of the solution, or you're part of the problem." | ||
| − | * | + | ==Related== |
| − | * either-or dichotomy | + | * In {{wpalt|cognitive therapy}}, the false dilemma is called "all-or-nothing thinking" or "black-and-white thinking" and is a form of {{wpalt|cognitive distortion}}, i.e. a bad habit-of-thought to be overcome due to its ability to prevent sane, moderate choices from being made. |
| − | + | * '''Other names''': either-or dichotomy, ignoring the moderate, ignoring the middle, choice between extremes | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Reference== | ==Reference== | ||
| − | * {{Wikipedia | + | * {{Wikipedia}} |
Revision as of 16:21, 3 June 2007
Overview
A false dilemma is an argument "in which two alternative points of view are held to be the only options" false dilemma [W] when in fact other reasonable options are available.
The false dilemma is often used as a manipulative tool by claiming that the "only other choice" is something which is obviously unreasonable, unpleasant, or unpalatable. The technique is usually used to persuade its audience of a viewpoint that is some distance from a reasonable, "middle ground" solution; the arguer generally wants the audience to dismiss the possibility of a "middle ground" which they might otherwise agree with.
False dilemma arguers will sometimes take steps to prevent any middle-ground choices from being feasible, thus combining the false dilemma with an argument by fiat and/or an argument by force.
Examples
- The phrase "You're either with us, or you're against us.", often used by George W. Bush and his supporters
- "You're either part of the solution, or you're part of the problem."
Related
- In cognitive therapy [W], the false dilemma is called "all-or-nothing thinking" or "black-and-white thinking" and is a form of cognitive distortion [W], i.e. a bad habit-of-thought to be overcome due to its ability to prevent sane, moderate choices from being made.
- Other names: either-or dichotomy, ignoring the moderate, ignoring the middle, choice between extremes