Denying the correlative

The logical fallacy of Denying the correlative' is the opposite of the False dilemma hypothesis. In this case an attempt is made to introduce a false alternative.

Examples:

1. Policeman: ".. either you stole the money or you didn't, which is it?". Criminal Philosopher: "... you are assuming that the money really exists....". In the context of the question this is not a valid alternative.
2. Parent: "I know that I didn't eat the sweet, so it must have been one of you two". Child: "maybe the sweet eat itself".
3. Cynic: "Everyone acts selfishly all the time". Priest: "What about Mother Theresa?". Cynic: "Well she wanted to be good, so she was doing what she wanted". This ignores the normal definition of selfishness and unselfishness.

See Also

correlative based fallacies