false dichotomy

American  

[fawls dahy-kot-uh-mee] / ˈfɔls daɪˈkɒt ə mi /

noun

1. a logical fallacy in which a spectrum of possible options is misrepresented as an either-or choice between two mutually exclusive things.

---

Etymology

Origin of false dichotomy

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Lucy Dacus, “Forever Is a Feeling” Sensual or cerebral is a false dichotomy.

From Los Angeles Times

Second, false dichotomy is actively employed.

From Slate

Perhaps if he spent more time studying and less time bashing students, he would know that this is what logicians call a false dichotomy.

From Salon

But this approach creates a false dichotomy between “big” and “small” business that misunderstands the way the startup ecosystem works.

From Los Angeles Times

"Delhi's incredibly rich past has contributed to its evolution as a unique city. To pitch it against progress or development is a false dichotomy," says historian Sohail Hashmi.

From BBC