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dilemma

dilemma A dilemma is a form of reasoning that combines a hypothetical statement with an either-or statement, so that more than one possible condition leads to the same conclusion.

A dilemma is a form of reasoning that combines a hypothetical statement with an either-or statement, so that more than one possible condition leads to the same conclusion. In older and popular use, it also means being forced between two alternatives, often where either choice leads to an unwelcome result.

Also see

Sources

Drafting source: Baldwin Dictionary of Philosophy and Psychology, 1901. 1901 New York Macmillan original; archive index checked 2026-10-18. “Dilemma” (Dilemma).
public-domain-US · Definition uses new wording; original source retains its stated licence. · Source snapshot SHA-256: 26cb965475b2845cf5bce064fd97c50cb2aac184172bfc5738be84c9f7310c6d

These citations identify the drafting sources. 2/2 independent reader passes against the pinned source packet. The drafter does not count as a reader. Source institutions do not endorse this dictionary.

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PsychTerms (psychterms.org), CC BY 4.0, version 1. “dilemma.” Development preview.

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