Dilemma.

Dilemma. A true dilemma is defined by Whately as 'a conditional syllogism with two or more antecedents in the major, and a disjunctive minor.' The following dilemma, of the kind called destructive, will perhaps convey a clearer notion than any definition. 'If this man were wise, he would not speak irreverently of Scripture in jest; and if he were good, he would not do so in earnest; but he does it, either in jest or earnest; therefore, he is either not wise, or not good.' There being two conclusions, one or other of which your opponent must admit, he is in a manner caught between them; hence we speak of the horns of a dilemma.