trilemma

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“
This is really a false trilemma, as the last option suffers the exact same difficulties as the first.

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Definitions (3)

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  1. In logic, a syllogism with three conditional propositions, the major premises of which are disjunctively affirmed in the minor. See dilemma.
  2. Hence, in general, any choice between three objects.

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Examples (24)

  • "If Boucher does know the password, he would be faced with the forbidden trilemma; incriminate himself, lie under oath, or find himself in contempt of court." —  Latest from Computerworld
  • This trilemma struck me when looking at the options for US-based banks, and Citigroup in particular. —  Crooked Timber
  • Grotius argued for a trilemma about a claim made by the apostles: —  The Secular Outpost
  • We can call the argument against the "great moral teacher" hypothesis the modest trilemma. —  dangerous idea
  • The ambitious trilemma tries to get you to conclude, instead, that Jesus was God. —  dangerous idea
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Etymologies (1)

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. New Latin, from Greek τρεῖς (τρι-), three, + λῆμμα, an assumption: see lemma.
 

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