False dilemma
Overview
A false dilemma is an argument "in which two alternative points of view are held to be the only options" 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.
Also known as: false dichotomy, all-or-nothing choice, monochrome thinking, either-or dichotomy, ignoring the moderate, ignoring the middle, choice between extremes
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.