Dilemma facts for kids
A dilemma (Greek δί-λημμα "double proposition") is a problem with at least two solutions or possibilities. None of the solutions are practically acceptable; a person in this position has been traditionally described as being impaled on the horns of a dilemma, neither horn being comfortable.
The dilemma is sometimes used as a rhetorical device, in the form "you must accept either A, or B"; here A and B would be propositions each leading to some further conclusion. Applied in this way, it may be a fallacy, a false dichotomy.
In formal logic, the definition of a dilemma differs markedly from everyday usage. Two options are still present, but choosing between them is immaterial because they both imply the same conclusion. Symbolically expressed thus:
This can be translated informally as "one (or both) of A or B is known to be true, but they both imply C, so regardless of the truth values of A and B we can conclude C."
Horned dilemmas can present more than two choices. The number of choices of Horned dilemmas can be used in their alternative names, such as two-pronged (two-horned) or dilemma proper, or three-pronged (three-horned) or trilemma, and so on.
Constructive dilemmas--
- 1. (If X, then Y) and (If W, then Z).
- 2. X or W.
- 3. Therefore, Y or Z.
Destructive dilemmas--
- 1. (If X, then Y) and (If W, then Z).
- 2. Not Y or not Z.
- 3. Therefore, not X or not W.
Named dilemmas
- Cornelian dilemma
- Euthyphro dilemma
- Hedgehog's dilemma
- Platonia dilemma
- Prisoner's dilemma
- Scylla and Charybdis
- Security dilemma
- Stagflation
- Traveler's dilemma
- Warnock's Dilemma
Related pages
- Coordination game
- Dilemma story
- False dilemma
- Trilemma
- Tetralemma
Images for kids
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Cartoon showing William Ewart Gladstone in a dilemma - if he climbs to escape the guard dog he will face the man's wrath, and vice versa
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Contingency table of sounding (or not sounding) an alarm for a possible earthquake
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