ThinkCritical.eu · Manipulation atlas
Flawed argumentsFalse dilemma
Pretending there are only two options when there are more.
The world is narrowed down to “either – or”, even though there are more options – a compromise, a delay, a third way. Anyone who won't pick one of the two on offer then looks indecisive or hostile.
“Either you support the new multi-storey car park, or you don't care that people have nowhere to park.”
How to spot it
- “Either… or…”, “if you're not with us, you're against us”.
- No middle option, and no option to wait and find out more.
- One of the options is painted as a disaster.
How to check and what to do
- Ask: “What other options are there?” and try to find at least three.
- Find out whether the two options could be combined, spread over time or postponed.
- With offers and contracts, check what they actually say – there is often more room than claimed.
Full explanation and exercises:
thinkcritical.eu/en/manipulation-atlas/false-dilemma