Dilemma&lemma
# The relation between Dilemma and lemma
2021-12-10
Tags: #English #Etymology #Latin
- di: two, 两个
- lemma: premise 假定, 先决条件
- 在两个(不好的)可能性中间做出抉择, 即进退两难.
- a form of argument involving a choice between equally unfavorable alternatives
A form of argument in which it is shown that whoever maintains a certain proposition must accept one or other of two alternative conclusions, and that each of these involves the denial of the proposition in question. [Century Dictionary]
Loosely, “choice between two undesirable alternatives,” from 1580s. It should be used only of situations where someone is forced to choose between two alternatives, both unfavorable to him (the alternatives are called the horns of a dilemma). But even logicians disagree on whether certain situations are dilemmas or mere syllogisms. Related: Dilemmatic.1