DFK! wrote:
Diamondeye wrote:
Not really. The fact that I'd rather eat horseshit over cowshit does not imply I actually want to eat either one.
Read up on what a false dilemma actually is.
No need, but in case you need the definition:
Wikipedia wrote:
The logical fallacy of false dilemma (also called false dichotomy, the either-or fallacy) involves a situation in which only two alternatives are considered, when in fact there are other options.
Let's go beyond the convenient first line of the paragraph, shall we?
Quote:
Furthermore, the options are typically presented as being collectively exhaustive, in which case the fallacy can be overcome, or at least weakened, by considering other possibilities, or perhaps by considering a whole spectrum of possibilities, as in fuzzy logic
The options were not presented as being collectively exhaustive. Moreover, to the question "Would you be more likely to vote for a conservative or a liberal?" there
are only two answers, and so the dilemma is not false.
You're calling it a false dilemma by subtly expanding the scope of the question to "Who would DFK! vote for?" which is not the question asked. If it had been asked "Does DFK! vote for Conservatives or Liberals?" that would have been a false dilemma because it is asking who you vote for with only 2 choices considered, not simply asking you to prioritize two of all the possible choices.
In other words, your claim of false dilemma rests on a very subtle and probably unintentional strawman on your part because you are changing the nature of the question being asked. Had the question been very slightly different, you would have been correct, but it was not. You're all about semantics being important and words having meanings, so presumably you can see this distinction now that it's been explained.
Look, the answer is "neither." And since that isn't a listed option, it's a false dilemma. If other options exist and the questioner limits the questionee it's a false-dilemma. That makes it a flawed and illogical question, but since you all were so keen on my answer, I've provided it, now that that thread is 8 pages diverted.