Difference between revisions of "Perfect-solution fallacy"
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(reference to Nirvana fallacy) |
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| − | The '''perfect-solution fallacy''' is the [[logical fallacy]] of assuming that just because a solution does not perfectly solve a problem, it is not worth trying at all.<ref>[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PerfectSolutionFallacy Perfect Solution Fallacy]</ref> It is a particular form of a [[false dilemma]]. The perfect-solution fallacy is similar but not identical to the [[Nirvana fallacy]]. | + | The '''perfect-solution fallacy''', also called '''letting the perfect be the enemy of the good''', is the [[logical fallacy]] of assuming that just because a solution does not perfectly solve a problem, it is not worth trying at all.<ref>[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PerfectSolutionFallacy Perfect Solution Fallacy]</ref> It is a particular form of a [[false dilemma]]. The perfect-solution fallacy is similar but not identical to the [[Nirvana fallacy]]. |
==Examples== | ==Examples== | ||
Liberals often commit the perfect-solution fallacy, as in the following examples: | Liberals often commit the perfect-solution fallacy, as in the following examples: | ||
Revision as of 18:46, August 10, 2012
The perfect-solution fallacy, also called letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, is the logical fallacy of assuming that just because a solution does not perfectly solve a problem, it is not worth trying at all.[1] It is a particular form of a false dilemma. The perfect-solution fallacy is similar but not identical to the Nirvana fallacy.
Examples
Liberals often commit the perfect-solution fallacy, as in the following examples:
- Because abstinence-only education does not completely eliminate teen pregnancy, abstinence should not even be mentioned in schools.
- Because sodomy laws did not completely eliminate HIV, there was no point in enforcing them.