False dilemma

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A false dilemma, or false dichotomy, is a logical fallacy which involves presenting two opposing views, options or outcomes in such a way that they seem to be the only possibilities: that is, if one is true, the other must be false, or, more typically, if you do not accept one then the other must be accepted. The reality in most cases is that there are many in-between or other alternative options, not just two mutually exclusive ones.

[edit] Examples

  • The most common false dilemma encountered in modern discourse, especially in the United States, is that if there is any flaw at all in the theories of evolution, then creation science is the only other possible truth.
  • This same bit of woo occurs, albeit less frequently, in many pseudosciences, taking the form of "since science has not perfectly explained phenomena X yet, my moonbat wingnuttery must be true." The obvious rebuttal to this "false dilemma" is that, the science only needs to be tweaked (or explored more) in order to provide an explanation. Even if it can't provide an answer immediately, of course, it is not proof of the "alternate" claim.
  • "America - Love It Or Leave It" is a popular false dilemma. The dilemma suggests that a true patriot must embrace everything ever done by America, or become un-American. However, since America as a nation was founded on the concept of respectful political dissent, one must doubt the premise of this false dilemma very seriously.

[edit] See also

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