Define Refutation of a Dilemma.
Share
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
The refutation of a dilemma, also known as the "escape hatch" or "counter-instance," is a strategy in logic that aims to challenge the validity of a dilemma by presenting a third option or scenario that undermines the mutually exclusive choices proposed by the dilemma. A dilemma typically sets up a situation where there appear to be only two options, and the refutation seeks to demonstrate that this dichotomy is incomplete or flawed.
For example, if a dilemma presents the choices A or B, a successful refutation introduces a scenario or possibility C, demonstrating that the original dilemma failed to account for all possible alternatives. By providing this counter-instance, the refutation weakens the force of the dilemma and challenges its ability to exhaust all possibilities.
In a formal logical structure, a successful refutation of a dilemma reveals that the argument is not as conclusive as initially presented. This highlights the importance of careful analysis and consideration of alternative scenarios in evaluating the strength of logical dilemmas and reinforces the principle that a dilemma is only as strong as its ability to eliminate all viable alternatives.