False dilemma

Informal fallacies → Other informal

A false dilemma is when you say there are only two options (e.g. this or that) when there are actually more choices. You force a choice between A and B and ignore C, D, or a range of options. The fallacy is to oversimplify the possibilities. The remedy is to ask: are there other options? Often there are middle courses, hybrids, or alternatives that the dilemma hides.

Examples

  • Either you're with us or you're against us.

  • We either cut all spending or we go bankrupt.

  • It's either complete freedom or total control.

  • You either support the war or you're unpatriotic.

  • We either do it my way or we fail.

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