Difference between revisions of "False dilemma"

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[[Category:Rhetorical Deceptions]]A false dilemma is an argument "in which two alternative points of view are held to be the only options" ([[Wikipedia:false dilemma|W]]) when in fact other options are available.
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[[Category:Logical Fallacies]]A false dilemma is an argument "in which two alternative points of view are held to be the only options" ([[Wikipedia:false dilemma|W]]) when in fact other options are available.
  
 
This fallacy comes in several flavors:
 
This fallacy comes in several flavors:

Revision as of 17:05, 23 January 2006

A false dilemma is an argument "in which two alternative points of view are held to be the only options" (W) when in fact other options are available.

This fallacy comes in several flavors:

  • "You're either with me, or you're against me." (Or, more mildly, "You're either with us, or you aren't.")
  • "You're either part of the solution, or you're part of the problem."
  • All-or-nothing thinking (a recognized form of cognitive distortion in cognitive therapy)

This is related to the rhetorical technique of choice between extremes, where any other options may have actually been made unavailable, rather than simply being ignored or dismissed by the arguer.

Reference