What is a Logical Fallacy?
A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning common enough to warrant a fancy name. Knowing how to spot and identify fallacies is a priceless skill. It can save you time, money, and personal dignity.
What is The Black and White Fallacy?
AKA. False Dilemma/False Dichotomy. This common fallacy misleads by presenting complex issues in terms of two inherently opposed sides. Instead of acknowledging that most (if not all) issues can be thought of on a spectrum of possibilities and stances, the false dilemma fallacy asserts that there are only two mutually exclusive outcomes.
This fallacy is particularly problematic because it can lend false credence to extreme stances, ignoring opportunities for compromise or chances to re-frame the issue in a new way.
Example 1:
"If you are not for us you are against us."
Example 2:
"There's no way humans can lift the giant the blocks used in the Egyptian Pyramids so we know space aliens built them."
Example 3:
"Renewable energy can't possibly provide all the energy we need so investing in it will lead to massive blackouts."
Example 4:
"If we remove our occupying soldiers from Smurfsville the Smurfs will attack us with terrorists."
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