False Trilemma

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Photo credit, fair use

I invite you to take a look at the photo above. Suppose you’ve arrived at a point along your journey and you’re presented with three options. You can either continue walking forward, head in the left direction, or head in the right direction. In which direction will you walk?

To add a degree of difficulty to this thought experiment, imagine that none of the proposed directions leads to your desired destination. What do you do? What I’ve presented you with is a form of dilemma (a usually undesirable or unpleasant choice).

Specifically, I’ve presented what’s known as a false trilemma. Let’s evaluate whether or not my direction proposal 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 logical form of a false trilemma: Either x, y, or z is true. This logical proposition is as follows:

You can either continue walking forward (x), head in the left direction (y), or head in the right direction (z) along your journey. This isn’t a reasonable proposal, as there are other directions in which you may head. For instance, you can turn around and walk from where you’ve come.

Thus, false trilemmas result when only three choices are presented, yet more exist, or a spectrum of possible choices exists regarding three extremes. These dilemmas are usually characterized by “either this, that, or that” language, though may also be characterized by omissions of choices.

Perhaps a more pragmatic example may be useful. According to one source, United States President Donald Trump, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu, and the deputy chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau Khalil al-Hayya have entered into peace talks.

The source lists three ostensible options regarding the unfolding talks. First, there’s a temporary “ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas. Second, “even if the negotiations reach an impasse, hostilities will not resume.” Third, “Netanyahu has not publicly said that the conflict is over.”

Given Israel’s historical behavior, I suspect that option number three is the most plausible prediction. Nevertheless, we’re discussing a false trilemma herein and not my suspicion which is based on logic and reason. Given the three listed options, can you imagine a fourth choice?

If the ceasefire is temporary (which it is), “hostilities will not resume” (as is currently unfalsifiable), and Netanyahu hasn’t vowed not to resume conflict (which he hasn’t), then a fourth option can (and likely will be) to do away with the ceasefire and reengage in fighting.

I didn’t say it was a great option, only a fourth choice. According to the cited source:

Following the approval of the [ceasefire] deal by the Israeli government, Netanyahu released a video in which he appeared to threaten to use force if Israel’s demands, including Hamas’s disarmament, were not met. “If this is achieved in the easy way, it’s all for the better. And if not, it’ll be achieved the hard way,” he said.

Does Netanyahu’s statement reflect sentiment of one who doesn’t desire conflict? I’m unconvinced. In any event, I’ve addressed false trilemmas herein. For now, I hope the journey toward peace involves more than three undesirable or unpleasant choices.

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

References:

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