One thing I learned in Chapter 6 that I found really interesting was how a false dilemma in an “or” situation was explained. This happens a lot in everyday conversation because a false dilemma is a bad use of excluding possibilities where the “or” claim is false or implausible. This is because in a statement such as “You can either go to collage or move out of the house.” This is an example of a false dilemma because there are many other options that are not explained in the argument, which makes for a bad and weak argument. The second idea that I found interesting in chapter 6 is conditional claims. This is a claim that can be written as an “if/then” claim and still have the same truth-value. It is still possible to have an “if/then” claim without having the actual words in it. This is when a statement is a conditional because you do not separate the if then statements and a premise and a answer but just as one statement.
You gave a really great explanation of the concept! False dilemma is used quite often in day-to-day life; I definitely agree that it makes for a weak and bad argument. I feel like this concept is used a lot when some one is over exaggerating. I know both of my parents are using false dilemma when they are giving an ultimatum. For instance my mom will be angry with my sister and say, “wash your car or your car will be go back to the dealership!” My sister and I both know that my mom is not taking the car back, even if she could!
ReplyDeleteYou gave really good examples of what a false dilemma was. I agree that we use this quite often, especially when we are in a dilemma (hence the name). I know when we want someone to do something, especially a child or family sibling, we use these false dilemmas all the time. "Clean up that mess or you will be grounded for life." Obviously you can not be grounded for life, but its these type of false dilemma arguments that we hear all the time. I know i use false dilemmas all the time as well, especially when i am trying to discipline my siblings, even if they do sound a bit ridiculous. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI really liked your example,“You can either go to collage or move out of the house.” My mom has actually applied this "false dilemma" on me. Either I go to college and work, or I move out of the house. It has motivated me to go to school and work so I don't have to live on my own and but all the neccessities I need. It is also something that my mom wants me to do so she gives me limited options. I'll usually tell me brother false dilemmas as well. An example," If you don't clean your room, we're not going to go get you frozen yogurt." He'll usually do it! :D
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