Consider this argument: "The kidnappers have taken eight people hostage and are holding them at a farmhouse just outside town. If the SWAT team assaults the farmhouse, the hostages could be killed. But if we give into the kidnappers' demands for ransom and safe passage out of the country, we'll only be encouraging more kidnappings of innocent people. What can we do?" That argument is an example of ________.
A) the False Dilemma fallacy
B) the fallacy of Playing with Words
C) a fallacy of Erroneous Generalization
D) a warranted argument
E) a valid argument

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This argument presents a false dilemma by only presenting two extreme and unrealistic options as the only possibilities without considering other alternatives, such as negotiating with the kidnappers or pursuing other forms of law enforcement action.

Consider This Argument: "The Kidnappers Have Taken Eight People Hostage