What Is the Either-Or Fallacy?

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Britannica Editors

The either-or fallacy, also called a false dilemma, is a logical error that happens when someone presents only two options or outcomes, ignoring other possibilities. This oversimplifies complex situations and can lead to flawed reasoning.

An instance of the fallacy

An example would be claiming that you must support a specific policy or you are against the welfare of the community. This reasoning leaves out other ways a person might support the community, creating a false choice between two extremes. The fallacy lies in the assumption that there are only two mutually exclusive options, which is rarely the case in complex social or political issues.

Impact

The either-or fallacy can create unnecessary conflict in debates and lead to ineffective decision-making. By presenting only two choices, it discourages considering a range of solutions. This fallacy is often used in persuasive arguments to manipulate opinions by forcing a choice between two extremes.

How to avoid it

To avoid this fallacy, question whether all options are being considered. Encouraging open discussion and exploring more perspectives can lead to better understanding and more-balanced decisions.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Urnesha Bhattacherjee.