False Dilemma vs. False Dichotomy

[DISCLAIMER]

When providing psychoeducational lessons on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I invite people to use thinking that is rational (in accordance with both logic and reason). Here, “logic” is the interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable.

“Reason” is a statement offered in explanation or justification. While a proposition may be logical, it can simultaneously be unreasonable. As an example, consider the following modus ponens syllogism (if x, then y; x; therefore, y):

If you don’t stand with the United States (U.S.), then you stand against the U.S. You don’t stand with the U.S. Therefore, you stand against the U.S. Although this proposal is logical, it isn’t reasonable. This is because it uses a false dilemma, about which one source states:

(also known as: all-or-nothing fallacy, false dichotomy [form of], the either-or fallacy, either-or reasoning, fallacy of false choice, fallacy of false alternatives, black-and-white thinking, the fallacy of exhaustive hypotheses, bifurcation, excluded middle, no middle ground, polarization)

Description: When only two choices are presented yet more exist, or a spectrum of possible choices exists between two extremes.  False dilemmas are usually characterized by “either this or that” language, but can also be characterized by omissions of choices.  Another variety is the false trilemma, which is when three choices are presented when more exist.

Logical Forms:

Either X or Y is true. [false dilemma]

Either X, Y, or Z is true. [false trilemma]

Example (omission):

I thought you were a good person, but you weren’t at church today.

Explanation: The assumption here is that if one doesn’t attend church, one must be bad.  Of course, good people exist who don’t go to church, and good church-going people could have had a really good reason not to be in church – like a hangover from the swingers’ gathering the night before.

Exception: There may be cases when the number of options really is limited.  For example, if an ice cream man just has chocolate and vanilla left, it would be a waste of time insisting he has mint chocolate chip.

Variation: Staying true to the definitions, the false dilemma is different from the false dichotomy in that a dilemma implies two equally unattractive options whereas a dichotomy generally comprises two opposites. This is a fine point, however, and is generally ignored in common usage.

According to a separate source, “False dichotomies are often used intentionally in persuasive communication. By misleading audiences into thinking only two options exist, people such as politicians and marketers can easily influence people’s opinions and decisions.”

To illustrate the subtle difference between dilemmas (usually undesirable or unpleasant choices, and situations involving such choices) and dichotomies (division into two especially mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities), let’s revisit the example of support for the U.S.

False dilemma and dichotomy – Either x or y is true. Either you stand with the U.S. or you don’t.

Depending on one’s sociopolitical perspective, either of these choices implies two equally unattractive options (i.e., a dilemma) or comprises two opposites (i.e., a dichotomy). This is why examples of dilemmas and dichotomies are often used synonymously. (Especially by me!)

Now, consider more nuanced examples. See if you can better comprehend the refined distinction between false dilemmas and false dichotomies.

False dilemma – Either x or y is true. The U.S., either love it or leave it!

Here, one could be ambivalent about the U.S., sometimes love it and sometimes despise it, support it on Mondays and Tuesdays while not supporting it on other days, and so forth and so on. Thus, the unpleasant choice of an either-or scenario is fallacious (embodying a fallacy).

False dichotomy – Either x or y is true. Either you’re a capitalist or a communist!

Here, it isn’t merely that undesirable or unpleasant choices are offered. Rather, mutually exclusive or contradictory options are proposed. While one could choose other socioeconomic categories (e.g., mixed economy), capitalism and communism are opposing systems.

In simplest terms, a false dilemma offers only two narrow choices. A false dichotomy offers two opposing options. Then again, you’ll either understand this distinction or you won’t. (See what I did there?)

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

Photo credit, fair use

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