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A false dilemma is an invalid assertion that there are only limited options in a particular situation. This is typically a choice between two options that ignores other possibilities. A false dilemma is often used as an aggressive form of influencing such as propaganda. The following are illustrative examples.
Black and WhiteSuggesting that there are no degrees of truth. For example, "either you are a liberal or you are not." This suggests that there is only one type of liberal as opposed to a diverse set of political ideologies that don't always agree.Suggesting that two things are mutually exclusive when they aren't. For example, "you are either with us or against us" suggests that there are only types of people: those who think and act identically and those who are enemies.
False ChoiceThe incorrect assertion that there are only two choices in a situation such as "saving the environment or saving jobs." This can result from a failure of imagination whereby an individual fails to see the opportunity behind an apparent problem.The assertion that something is either true or false when there are degrees of truth between these two extremes. For example, "you either drank too much or you didn't, which is it?"
False AlternativeMisrepresenting the alternatives in a choice. For example, a popup ad with two buttons labeled "yes" and "no" that reads "Do you want to improve yourself?" This incorrectly asserts that you don't want to improve yourself because you aren't interested in an offer.Us vs ThemFalsely claiming that the interests of two groups do not overlap. For example, an ideology that pits people against each other based on their differences.|
| Type | | | Definition | An invalid assertion that there are only limited options in a particular situation. | | Related Concepts | |
Influencing
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