Fallacy · Rigging the question
False dilemma
Also called: Either–or fallacy, black-and-white thinking
Presenting two options as the only ones when there are more.
What it is
Squeezing a choice into two options makes one look forced: reject the bad one and you must accept the other. Real choices usually have middle ground, combinations, or options nobody mentioned.
An example
“Either we close the library or we raise taxes.” The town might also cut hours, share a building or find other savings.
How to spot it
“Either… or…” with no reason given why those are the only two paths.
How to answer it
“Are those really the only two options? What about…?”
When it is not a fallacy
Some choices really are binary: a switch is on or off. The fallacy is pretending a wide choice is a narrow one.
Printable sheet of all fallacies
Cite or share this page
A plain reference you can paste into notes or an essay:
Quest2Reason. “False dilemma.” https://quest2reason.com/learn/ideas/fallacies/false-dilemma. Accessed 13 November 2026.