What is a false dilemma and why is it important to identify it?

The false dilemma is a type of fallacy in which reality is reduced to two options, when there are many more. In other words, this is a type of incorrect reasoning that incorrectly reduces the alternatives to just two. This, of course, leads to errors in perception and decision.

There are several types of fallacies and The false dilemma belongs to a category called “informal fallacies.”. These are incorrect reasonings that not only involve form, but also content and context. The point is that in appearance and in natural language it is not possible to detect the error easily. Therefore, they often go unnoticed.

The false dilemma fallacy can appear in an endless number of situations. From everyday discussions to big life, business, political decisions, etc. The risk of this type of erroneous reasoning is that They are usually very well camouflaged and appear very logical in appearance.. How to identify them?

We are very prone to falling into false dilemmas

In many cases it is easier to think in terms of “black or white.” to take into account the multiple nuances that exist between two alternatives that may seem incompatible. Many people feel better when the number of options is only two; Thus, in some way, the problem is simplified.

This little introduction is to say that We are all very prone to falling into false dilemmas. Either you are my friend, or you are my enemy. Either you never tell a lie or you are a liar. Either you love me the way I want you to love me, or you just don’t love me. Reality brought to that polarity is more digestible.

The problem is that reality is not like that. In addition to an infinite number of nuances in each situation, it is also common for there to be ambiguity, without this constituting a contradiction as such. A kind person may eventually be abrupt at times, but that does not mean that he or she is rude now.

There are also situations that do not allow middle points, either because it is not possible or because an ethical inconsistency is incurred, for example. Either you are naked, or you are clothed; You either tolerate abuse, or you don’t tolerate it. In those cases, however, other considerations also come into play.

Identify the false dilemma

The etymological roots of the word dilemma help clarify the picture. This word comes from Latin dilemmacomposed in turn of the roots “di”, or “two”, and lemma, or ‘premise’. Therefore, it becomes something like “two premises”. The false dilemma is configured when There are not only two premises, but many more, although they are not known..

There are several types of false dilemma, although they essentially correspond to the same thing:

Falsified Dilemma. It’s the typical false dilemma. It takes place when in reality there is not even a real dilemma. For example: either you believe in god “X” or you are an atheist. Between one alternative and another there are multiple options.Fallacy of the excluded middle. It happens when there are three options, but they are artificially reduced to two. For example: either you are on the side of the owners of the company, or you are on the side of the workers. The reality is that at some points someone may be on one side and at others on the other.False dichotomy. In this case, two options are proposed, chosen arbitrarily, as if there were no more. For example: homeland or death. This is valid for some, while other people do not understand that they have to choose between one or the other.false opposition. When two options are contrasted that are not actually exclusive. For example: we put more police on the streets, or we allow crime to win. The first is not the only option to avoid the second.False duality. In case there is no major difference between two concepts that want to be taken as divergent. For example: if you really loved your job, you would never complain. Love for work and complaint are not exclusive.false correlative. When two concepts that do not actually have an objective relationship with each other are brought together. Either you repair the mirror you broke, or you will have seven years of bad luck.Fork. It occurs when, in an artificial way, the same concept or the same reality is divided into two. For example: he who believes in one religion cannot accept the existence of others. It is a false dilemma because one’s own belief has the same category as another’s belief. Both are that: beliefs. Therefore, none predominates.

The false dilemma is a fallacy that appears especially in the context of religious or political debates. However, It is also present in everyday life. The best way to eradicate it is to always ask yourself: is there another option?

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