What Is the Either-Or Fallacy? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/What-Is-the-Either-Or-Fallacy Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 3, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot 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 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. ...(100 of 170 words)

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