Logical fallacy
Definition of "False Dichotomy"
- Establishing the choice between two or more items, both of which are wrong.
- (AKA. bifurcation) a "black and white" option that presents an 'either/or' situation when in reality there is a range of options.
- Progressive debate tactic that assumes you must either agree with their bad policy or else you want to do nothing and to let the [insert problem] fester uncontrollably and fall off into some bizarre absurdity. As always, they believe their choice is reasonable.
Examples of "False Dichotomy" include:
- "If you don't vote for Obamacare then you must want grandma to die in the street."
- "You're either for Affirmative Action or you are a racist."
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: "If you don’t like the #GreenNewDeal, then come up with your own ambitious, on-scale proposal to address the global climate crisis" This one is exceptional because it asserts that we both agree with her absurd climate catastrophe claims AND that only a radical big government solution will do.
False Dichotomy Notes
As Newt Gingrich says, “The choice is never between doing nothing or doing something very stupid.”
That should be our mantra. When you see this in an argument, first deconstruct the argument, then claim there’s a third choice. This third choice will have none of the stupidity of the first choice; that is, it won’t demand you give up a foundational right to a statist. The third choice must also actually address the problem at hand.
Noted examples of the False Dichotomy:
Nationalizing healthcare
Remember this one? If Paul Ryan didn’t support Obamacare, then there’s only one alternative:
- False Dichotomy: either accept Obamacare or allow millions of citizens to die without any healthcare or coverage.
- Deconstruct: Obamacare doesn't lower the cost of healthcare and will in fact, negatively impact far more than it will help. Plus, those without health insurance can still get care in hospitals..
- Third Choice: Almost ANY other alternative. The GOP came up with dozens of solutions that included the free market to lower cost, increase coverage, cover alternatives, etc.
Gun Control
- False Dichotomy: Restrict gun rights and confiscate, or allow the slaughter of children, and allow children open access to machine guns out of vans outside the school yard.
- Deconstruct: They're coming for your 2nd Amendment rights. They're asking for you to accept that self defense is only for police and government representatives. That you don't have the right to defend your life and home because help is only a 911 call away. Except that the police are always minutes away when seconds count.
- Third Choice: Conceal and carry. Empower the citizenry. Bad guys will think twice when you raise the risk. You're not a victim or a child. You're a citizen in a free country, with a God-given Constitutional right to self defense, especially against a tyrannical government.
Global Warming
Reasonable people shouldn’t have to debate AOC, but the topic of Climate Change requires its own page. Check it out here:
The Fix Is In: Climate Change Hoax
When it comes to the largest, most expensive hoax in history, the scientific community, the handmaidens, vestal virgins and high priests of the Democratic Socialist movement will allow no argument to their brilliance. However, there are a few points for those interested in why the deniers hold onto their heresy...
Reset the Terms to Beat a False Dichotomy
There’s an old saying that arguing on the internet is like playing chess with a pigeon. The pigeon clearly doesn’t know the game but he’ll still crap all over the board, knock over the pieces and strut around like he won.
The same can be said for leftists.
You could simply walk away. No one said you have to argue with them. Or you could hold your ground. Don’t allow the false dichotomy to prevail. Start with a question like: “Really? Those are my only choices? You know what I think?”
Yes, you might offer sensible third options, and forth, and fifth, and so on, but it be as useful as saying: You’re either for America, or you’re a commie pinko bedwetting imbecile. Since I’m for America, you must be the other guy.”
Then we’ll see how much they like the taste of their own medicine.