Nirvana fallacy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Nirvana fallacy is the logical error of comparing actual things with unrealistic, idealized alternatives. It can also refer to the tendency to assume that there is a perfect solution to a particular problem.

By creating a false dichotomy that presents one choice which is obviously advantageous—while at the same time being completely implausible—a person using the nirvana fallacy can attack any opposing idea (reformed social welfare programs, for example) because it is imperfect. The choice is not between real world solutions and utopia; it is, rather, a choice between one realistic possibility and another which is merely better.

An example of the nirvana fallacy would be opposing a policy that reduces poverty because it does not completely eliminate poverty. Another example might be achieving perfect competition on the market.

The nirvana fallacy was given its name by Harold Demsetz in 1969.[1][2]

[edit] See also

Languages