Reportedly uttered by Jesus Christ (Luke 11:23). In so far as it is possible for a simple claim to be fallacious, if the assumed premises are added the resulting syllogism is an example of the fallacy of excluded middle, or fallacy of false dilemma, in which two extremes are presented as the only available options and moderate middle-ground options are not admitted for consideration. The fallacy ignores central positions, positing only extreme alternatives.

More recent examples include;

"If you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem";

"You're either with us or against us in the fight against terror." G.W. Bush - Nov 2001;

In recent U.S. politics, being accused of treason or "not supporting our troops" for not being loudly and mindlessly patriotic.

"It should be recognised that boycotting such a session is a true indication of supporting the blatant example of racism. " Mahmoud Ahmadinejad 21 - April 2009.


This fallacy is closely allied with the folk-wisdom; "If you only have a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail."

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