False dichotomy
(Difference between revisions)
Rivalarrival (Talk | contribs) |
|||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
* You're either with us or against us. | * You're either with us or against us. | ||
: ''I might not stand in your way, but cannot actively support your course of action.'' | : ''I might not stand in your way, but cannot actively support your course of action.'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | It's worth noting that not all logical dichotomies are false. Consider the etymological definitions of [[Theism]] and [[Atheism]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | *Theism = Belief in one or more gods | ||
| + | *Atheism = "A" + "Theism" = Lacking + (Belief in one or more gods) | ||
| + | |||
| + | As one cannot simultaneously lack belief and believe, this is an example of a valid dichotomy. | ||
[[Category:Logical fallacies]] | [[Category:Logical fallacies]] | ||
Revision as of 22:43, 23 November 2008
The logical fallacy of false dichotomy or false choice occurs when one provides only two (or a few) answers to a question, giving the illusion that these choices exhaust all possibilities, when in fact they don't. Some examples include:
- In fact, both may be wrong.
- Based on what he claimed, Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.
- This ignores other possibilities, such as "legend".
- You're either with us or against us.
- I might not stand in your way, but cannot actively support your course of action.
It's worth noting that not all logical dichotomies are false. Consider the etymological definitions of Theism and Atheism.
- Theism = Belief in one or more gods
- Atheism = "A" + "Theism" = Lacking + (Belief in one or more gods)
As one cannot simultaneously lack belief and believe, this is an example of a valid dichotomy.
