The informal fallacy of denying the correlative is an attempt made at introducing alternatives where there are none. It is the opposite of the

false dilemma A false dilemma, also referred to as false dichotomy or false binary, is an informal fallacy based on a premise that erroneously limits what options are available. The source of the fallacy lies not in an invalid form of inference but in a false ...

, which is denying other alternatives. Its logical form is Either X or not X, therefore Y. For example: :Judge: So did you kill your landlord or not? :Kirk: I fought with him. In the context of a multiple choice question, the best answer must be chosen from the available alternatives. However, in determining whether this fallacy is committed, a close look at the context is required. The essence of denying the correlative is introducing an alternative into a context that logically admits none, but this itself could be taken as an indication that the context is irrational. Even if there are no implicit alternatives, (such as the

right to remain silent The right to silence is a legal principle which guarantees any individual the right to refuse to answer questions from law enforcement officers or court officials. It is a legal right recognized, explicitly or by convention, in many of the worl ...

), assumptions may need to be questioned and clarified or implications may require a disclaimer.

See also

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Further reading