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Sep 9, 2020 · False Dilemma or False Dichotomy is a formal fallacy based on an “either-or” type of argument. Two choices are presented, when more might exist, and the claim is made that one is false and one is true - or one is acceptable and the other is not.
- False Dichotomy Overview
- False Dichotomy Examples
- Applications of False Dichotomy
- Conclusion
- References
A false dichotomy refers to a situation which is falsely presented as only containing two opposite extremes. This is sometimes referred to as black-and-white thinking. Both false dichotomy and black-and-white thinking often occur with controversial sociopolitical issues. A similar term, the either-or-fallacy, is sometimes used in reference to a sit...
In Political Ideology: When a person makes a statement contrary to one political ideology, they might be labeled as supporting the opposite political perspective: “Jim often criticizes capitalism;...Introverts or Extroverts: Either a person is quiet and withdrawn or outgoing and talkative. This ignores the fact that there are plenty of people whose temperaments are mixed, and depend on the con...Accepting Immigrants: Some people find it difficult to accept foreigners. If a foreigner complains about something in their adopted homeland, one of the locals might say, “Like it or leave it.”In Personal Relationships: Unfortunately, there may be times when a disagreement with a mutual friend can create a false dichotomy: “You’re either my friend or hers.”1. In Educational Philosophy
A false dichotomy mindset has plagued educational philosophers for nearly a hundred years. John Dewey, one of the greatest scholars in Western education, wrote extensively on educational practices and the nature of learning that still apply today. For instance, in Experience & Education (1938), he noted the tendency for human beings to think in terms of false dichotomies, “Either-Or, between which it recognizes no intermediate possibilities” (p. 17). Modern scholars also find themselves caugh...
2. In the Nature Vs Nurture Debate
One of humanity’s longest running false-dichotomies is the debate over nature vs nurture. Are people the product of their genes or does the environment shape them as we grow? It is clear that genes affect many physical features such as height, but at the same time, improved nutrition can have a substantial impact on this genetic manifestation. In regards to psychological constructs, research has demonstrated the effects of the environment as well. For example, children raised in environments...
3. In Impression Formation
People have a tendency to categorize others into discrete groups; strong-willed or weak; shy or outgoing; trustworthy or dishonest. This is a natural tendency due to most people being lazy thinkers. There is simply not enough time or energy to reserve judgment on a person until we have known them for a significant period of time and observed their behavior directly in a wide range of situations. If the first time we are introduced to another individual they act cold and aloof, then they are p...
The term false dichotomy is often used when discussing controversial issues and the opinions that people hold. For example, when an issue that exists on a continuum is only viewed from its two polar extremes, that is referred to as a false dichotomy. The term “false” implies there are actually many angles to the issue. When we form an initial impre...
Angoff, W. H. (1988). The nature-nurture debate, aptitudes, and group differences. American Psychologist, 43(9), 713. Collins, W. A., Maccoby, E. E., Steinberg, L., Hetherington, E. M., & Bornstein, M. H. (2000). Contemporary research on parenting: The case for nature and nurture. American Psychologist, 55(2), 218. Dietrich, H., & Evans, T. (2022)....
Jul 24, 2023 · False dilemma fallacy example Either you support this new legislation to give the police more power, or you want society to descend into chaos! A false dilemma (or false dichotomy) is a common type of fallacy. It often appears in political speeches and advertisements, as well as informal everyday conversations.
- False dilemma fallacy is also known as false dichotomy, false binary, and “either-or” fallacy. It is the fallacy of presenting only two choices, ou...
- The false dilemma fallacy works in two ways: By presenting only two options as if these were the only ones available By presenting two options as m...
- The best way to avoid a false dilemma fallacy is to pause and reflect on two points: Are the options presented truly the only ones available ? It c...
- Immigration. Argument: “We shouldn’t support immigrants or give them access to social services and free things. After all, why should we help immigrants when there are homeless Americans on the streets?”
- Science vs Religion. People often encounter false dilemmas in the context of debates surrounding science and religion. Argument: “You can’t both believe in science and be religious.
- Taxes. Argument: “We can’t be for any taxation. In fact, the situation is pretty simple. Either you are for freedom and no taxes or you are a communist that wants to install tyranny and terror.”
- Politics. As is the case with pretty much every single logical fallacy out there, false dichotomies are all over the place in politics. Here’s one that is relevant to contemporary events.
Oct 24, 2023 · A False Dilemma Fallacy occurs when an argument falsely presents two options or solutions as the only possible choices, ignoring or dismissing the existence of alternative options. Stick around to learn how this fallacy can impact your life, from the political choices you make to the products you buy. We'll explain the term and share some false ...
A false dilemma (or false dichotomy) is a logical fallacy that occurs when a limited number of options are wrongly presented as being mutually exclusive or the only available options. For example, a false dilemma occurs when someone says that we must choose between options A or B, without mentioning that we can pick both or that option C also ...
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Jul 23, 2023 · Presenting a false dichotomy can be a persuasive tactic to manipulate people into accepting a particular viewpoint. Either-or fallacy examples Either-or fallacies are often used intentionally as a rhetorical device to present issues in a way that pressures people to accept a certain viewpoint.
