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A dilemma (Greek d?-??µµa "double proposition
Lemma (logic)

In informal logic and Argument map, a lemma is simultaneously a main contention for premises below it and a premise for a contention above it....
") is a problem
Problem

A problem is an obstacle which makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal, objective or purpose. It refers to a situation, condition, or issue that is yet unresolved....
 offering at least two solutions or possibilities, of which none are practically acceptable; one in this position has been traditionally described as "being on the horns of a dilemma", neither horn being comfortable; or "being between a rock and a hard place", since both objects or metaphorical choices being rough.

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.






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A dilemma (Greek d?-??µµa "double proposition
Lemma (logic)

In informal logic and Argument map, a lemma is simultaneously a main contention for premises below it and a premise for a contention above it....
") is a problem
Problem

A problem is an obstacle which makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal, objective or purpose. It refers to a situation, condition, or issue that is yet unresolved....
 offering at least two solutions or possibilities, of which none are practically acceptable; one in this position has been traditionally described as "being on the horns of a dilemma", neither horn being comfortable; or "being between a rock and a hard place", since both objects or metaphorical choices being rough.

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
Fallacy

A fallacy is an argument which may convince some people but is not logically sound. Note that the truth of the conclusions of an argument does not determine whether the argument is a fallacy - it is the argument which is incorrect....
, a false dichotomy.

In formal logic
Logic

Logic is the study of the principles of valid demonstration and inference. Logic is a branch of philosophy, a part of the classical Trivium . The word derives from Greek language ?????? , fem....
, 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:

Which 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
Trilemma

A trilemma is a difficult choice from three options, each of which is unacceptable or unfavourable.There are two logically equivalent ways in which to express a trilemma: it can be expressed as a choice among three unfavourable options, one of which must be chosen, or as a choice among three favourable options, only two of which are possib...
, 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
    Cornelian dilemma

    A Cornelian dilemma is a dilemma in which someone is obliged to choose between two courses of action either of which will have a detrimental effect on themselves or on someone near to them....
  • Euthyphro dilemma
    Euthyphro dilemma

    The Euthyphro dilemma is found in Plato dialogue Euthyphro, in which Socrates asks Euthyphro: "Is the Pietas loved by the deity because it is pious, or is it pious because it is loved by the gods?" ...
  • Hedgehog's dilemma
    Hedgehog's dilemma

    The hedgehog's dilemma, or sometimes the porcupine dilemma, is an analogy about the challenges of human intimacy. It describes a situation in which a group of Hedgehog all seek to become close to one another in order to share their heat during cold weather....
  • Platonia dilemma
  • Prisoner's dilemma
    Prisoner's dilemma

    The Prisoner's Dilemma constitutes a problem in game theory. It was originally framed by Merrill Flood and Melvin Dresher working at RAND in 1950....
  • Scylla and Charybdis
    Scylla and Charybdis

    Scylla and Charybdis are two sea monsters of Greek mythology who were situated on opposite sides of the Strait of Messina between Sicily and Calabria, in Italy....
  • Security dilemma
    Security dilemma

    Security dilemma or Spiral model is a term used in international relations and refers to a situation wherein two or more states are drawn into conflict, possibly even war, over security concerns, even though none of the states actually desire conflict....
  • Stagflation
    Stagflation

    Stagflation is an economic situation in which inflation and economic stagnation occur simultaneously and remain unchecked for a period of time. The Portmanteau word "stagflation" is generally attributed to British politician Iain Macleod, who coined the term in a speech to Parliament of the United Kingdom in 1965....
  • Traveler's dilemma
    Traveler's dilemma

    In game theory, the traveler's dilemma is a type of non-zero-sum game in which two players attempt to maximize their own payoff, without any concern for the other player's payoff....
  • Warnock's Dilemma
    Warnock's Dilemma

    Warnock's Dilemma, named for its originator Bryan Warnock, is the problem of interpreting a lack of response to a posting on a mailing list, Usenet newsgroup, or Web forum....
  • Catch-22 (logic)
    Catch-22 (logic)

    Catch-22 is a term coined by Joseph Heller in his novel Catch-22, describing a set of rules, regulations or procedures, or situation which presents the illusion of choice while preventing any real choice....


See also

  • Coordination game
    Coordination game

    In game theory, coordination games are a class of games with multiple pure strategy Nash equilibrium in which players choose the same or Bijection strategy....
  • Dilemma story
    Dilemma story

    A dilemma story is an African story-form intended to provoke discussion. They are used both as a form of entertainment, and of instruction....
  • False dilemma
    False dilemma

    The informal fallacy of false dilemma involves a situation in which only two alternatives are considered, when in fact there are other options....
  • Trilemma
    Trilemma

    A trilemma is a difficult choice from three options, each of which is unacceptable or unfavourable.There are two logically equivalent ways in which to express a trilemma: it can be expressed as a choice among three unfavourable options, one of which must be chosen, or as a choice among three favourable options, only two of which are possib...
  • Tetralemma
    Tetralemma

    The tetralemma is a figure that features prominently in Indian logic. It states that with reference to any a logical proposition X, there are four possibilities:...
  • Dharmasankat
    Dharmasankat

    Dharmasankat is a term in Indian religious and spiritual contexts implying a moral or ethical quandary, where choosing any of several options would result in a breach of one's dharma....