TABLE OF CONTENTS Because abstractions are such powerful tools, it comes as little surprise that they are often either accidentally or purposefully used to misinform and mislead. A fallacy is, very generally, an error in reasoning. This differs from a factual error, which is simply being wrong about the facts. Here are three classic patterns of fallacy that lead to flawed abstractions: the false dilemma, the slippery slope, and the straw man fallacy.
The false dilemma fallacy is based on a flawed or overly simplistic interpretation of the goals and/or available options. Putting issues or opinions into black-or-white terms is a common instance of this fallacy. This is how the false dilemma pattern works:
Someone claims that either X is true or Y is true (X and Y could both be false).
Then they claim that Y is false.
Therefore claim X must be true.
This line of reasoning is often incorrect because if both claims could be false, then it cannot be inferred that one is true because the other is false. Here's an example:
Either 2 + 2 = 5 or 3 + 3 = 5
It is not the case that 2 + 2 = 5
Therefore 3 + 3 = 5
The false dilemma pattern often points in the wrong direction because it artificially limits the available options.
"You have two choices: either you declare bankruptcy now or you purchase our company's new product and save your firm."
