False dichotomy meaning

What is False Dilemma/False Dichotomy Fallacy

The False Dilemma (also known as 
False Dichotomy) Fallacy occurs  

when an argument presents two options as the only 
possibilities, when in fact more options exist. 

This fallacy limits the possibilities 
to two, often extreme, options,  

with the intent to force a choice between 
them, ignoring other viable alternatives. 

It's a tactic used in argumentation 
to corner the opponent into choosing  

an undesirable option or to oversimplify 
complex issues into black-and-white choices. 

Everyday Example:
In a discussion about career choices, Person  

A says, "You either go to college and succeed, 
or you don't go and end up failing in life." 

Here, Person A is presenting a false dilemma by 
suggesting that success is only achievable through  

college education and that not attending college 
inevitably leads to failure. This ignores other  

paths to success, like vocational training, 
entrepreneurship, or self-taught skills.