TRILEMMA

Etymology

Noun

trilemma (plural trilemmas)

A circumstance in which a choice must be made between three options that seem equally undesirable or, put another way, in which a choice must be made among three desirable options, only two of which are possible at the same time.

(logic) An argument containing three alternatives, jointly exhaustive either under any condition(s) or under all condition(s) consistent with the universe of discourse of that argument, that each imply the same conclusion.

Coordinate terms

• dilemma (two options)

• tetralemma (four options)

• polylemma

Source: Wiktionary


Tri*lem"ma, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. Tri-) + any thing received, in logic, an assumption. Cf. Dilemma.]

1. (Logic)

Definition: A syllogism with three conditional propositions, the major premises of which are disjunctively affirmed in the minor. See Dilemma.

2. A state of things in which it is difficult to determine which one of three courses to pursue.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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