When one is presented with just two choices, both of which are essentially the same, just worded differently. This technique is often used in sales. Fallacious reasoning would be committed by the person accepting the options as the only options, which would most likely be on a subconscious level since virtually anyone—if they thought about it—would recognize other options exist.
Examples:
- Max: If you’re not a witch, you have nothing to fear. If you’re not a witch, you are not made of wood; therefore, you will sink and drown after we tie you up and throw you in the well. If you do float, then you are made of wood, you are a witch, and we will hang you. Glinda: Wait, how is it I have nothing to worry about if I am not a witch?
Synonyms: lose-lose situation