A false dilemma is one way of manipulating the outcome of a discussion so that a specific course of action or decision is made.
Features:
(1) That person presents only a very small number of options (usually only 2): all but one of the options is unacceptable to the audience.
(2) The information presented may be misleading or false.
(3) The presenter fiercely opposes any considerations of other options that might be more acceptable.
The behavior may be intentional or accidental:
(1) The presenter wants a certain conclusion or decision to be reached and intentionally distorts the facts and situation.
(2) The presenter is unaware of other alternatives or been given false information. In this situation the person may be open to an alternative suggestion unless the person has already made up his or her mind, has acted on the decision or is too proud to change.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
