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Fallacies from Chapter 3 - 5469

False Dilemma

Definition Model for False Dilemma

Fallacy	False Dilemma
Short Definition	Only 2 choices are offered when there are more
Long Definition	False reduction of choices to just 2 (one of which is usually unacceptable) when there are other choices
Form	A or B Either A or B If not A then B Unless A, B
Keywords	either, or, if not, unless, the only alternative, prefer
How to Explain	Name 3rd choice or alternative belief or middle ground
Example	You're either with us or you're with the terrorists.

Notes on False Dilemma

1. The textbook defines a dilemma as an argument that presents 2 alternatives, both claimed to be bad. A false dilemma is a dilemma that can be shown to be false (going between the horns of the dilemma) by demonstrating there is at least one other viable possibility to the 2 choices offered, or by challenging one or both of its other 2 premises (grasping the horns of the dilemma). The either-or fallacy is sometimes called the black-or-white fallacy and is very similar to the false dilemma. The either-or fallacy occurs when there is an argument that assumes just 2 viable alternatives, one of which is bad, although there is at least one other viable alternative.

NOTE: For this class, the either-or variation of the false dilemma fallacy will be named false dilemma.

2. Some people have a tendency to over-simplify an issue by reducing choices, since it's too hard for them to look for other alternatives or they have a vested interest in one of the choices.

3. False dilemmas are offered out of ignorance, laziness, as a diversion from the truth, or through a natural tendency to categorize.

4. Psychological explanation: The origin of black-or-white thinking is thought to come from childhood, where we had fairy tales, heroes and villains, and good guys and bad guys. This immaturity is then taken into adulthood because some people yearn for the security of childhood.

5. We can protect ourselves from someone who offers a false dilemma by always asking 'why not both' or 'why not neither'.

6. The Manichaeans were an early Christian sect whose views on good and evil have become interpreted in our time as the ultimate 'either-or' philosophy. Everyone and everything is either totally good or totally evil; no shades of gray, no mixed motives, no redeeming qualities in the wicked, no lapses of virtue in the saintly.

7. Either-or on the Internet

Examples of False Dilemma

1. You're either with us or you're with the terrorists.

Analysis: The 3rd choice is neutrality.