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copied entire text of All or nothing
A '''false dichotomy''' is a special case of a false dilemma, in which only two options are presented. One side of an argument presents to the other two unpleasant, opposite, and extreme alternatives, alleging that they are the only choices open in the matter up for debate. The fallacy lies in disregarding the middle ground, or failing to credit the range of disagreement on the issue.
A '''false dichotomy''' is a special case of a false dilemma, in which only two options are presented. One side of an argument presents to the other two unpleasant, opposite, and extreme alternatives, alleging that they are the only choices open in the matter up for debate. The fallacy lies in disregarding the middle ground, or failing to credit the range of disagreement on the issue.
The '''all or nothing''' [[fallacy]] assumes that things must be completely one way or another.
* ... it is part of the most primitive of human responses: The Fight or Flight Response. When faced with a life-threatening situation, we must make a snap decision and act on it. There is no time for 'maybe this', or 'maybe that'. Either decision will create an emotional reaction to allow us to fight or flee to the maximum of our ability. <ref>[http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/Understanding_Depression/all_nothing.htm Depression:Understand it, Treat it, Beat it]</ref>
Academics call it the "bifurcation fallacy".<ref>http://commfaculty.fullerton.edu/rgass/fallacy3211.htm</ref>
Of course, not all dilemmas are false dilemmas. Also, a false dilemma should not be confused with a ''[[reductio ad absurdum]].''
Of course, not all dilemmas are false dilemmas. Also, a false dilemma should not be confused with a ''[[reductio ad absurdum]].''