Which option illustrates a false dilemma (false binary)?

Which option illustrates a false dilemma (false binary)?

• A. The program benefits both students and faculty.
• B. There are benefits and costs to policy X.
• C. The argument presents two options as the only possibilities, ignoring other viable alternatives.
• D. Some studies support policy X.

Answer: (C)

This question tests recognizing a false dilemma: presenting two options as the only possibilities and ignoring other viable alternatives. The correct choice captures this precisely by describing an argument that reduces the situation to two options and leaves out all other possibilities. In arguments, a genuine range of paths often exists, and good reasoning considers more than a binary choice or looks for middle ground or alternatives. The other statements describe different moves. Saying a program benefits both students and faculty isn’t restricting options to two choices; it’s about the distribution of benefits. Discussing benefits and costs highlights trade-offs rather than forcing a binary, single-path decision. Citing studies that support a policy is about evidence, not about framing the situation as two exclusive options.

This question tests recognizing a false dilemma: presenting two options as the only possibilities and ignoring other viable alternatives. The correct choice captures this precisely by describing an argument that reduces the situation to two options and leaves out all other possibilities. In arguments, a genuine range of paths often exists, and good reasoning considers more than a binary choice or looks for middle ground or alternatives.

The other statements describe different moves. Saying a program benefits both students and faculty isn’t restricting options to two choices; it’s about the distribution of benefits. Discussing benefits and costs highlights trade-offs rather than forcing a binary, single-path decision. Citing studies that support a policy is about evidence, not about framing the situation as two exclusive options.