Today let us discuss another informal fallacy. It is known as the 'false dilemma' fallacy, and it is rampant in the private space as well as in the public sphere. It consists of presenting an either/or argument as if there are only two alternatives, while conveniently ignoring the very many middle-ground kind of negotiations.
Let us begin with an example from the public sphere. The moment a new venture is announced, there emerge interest groups asserting the 'back to nature' motto, either this project or destruction of the enviornment. Well, there do exist very many sustainable development or green alternatives. There can be carbon foot printing, for instance.
The private space overflows with such a fallacy as it is a subtle n sure tool of emotional manipulation. An example may suffice to clarify the dicey games. A son tells the 'doting' dad, 'you get me this gadget or you are a poor dad', in all the senes of the term 'poor.' The 'poor' dad, emotionally thus twisted, has to give in because conveniently forgotten/overlooked are umpteen instances of care and concern.
The worst case scenario of this false dilemma, it would be universally acknowledged, is the disgusting "Darr" dread, right?
Pratima Agnihotri
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