A dichotomy occurs when two options or alternatives appear.
Before proceeding to discover the meaning of the term dichotomy , let's know its etymological origin. In this case, we can establish that it derives from Greek, specifically from the word dichotomy , which is the result of the sum of three components of said language:
-The term said , which can be translated as “in two parts.”
-The noun tome , which means “cut” and which derives from the verb “temnein”, which is synonymous with “cut”.
-The suffix -ia , which is used to indicate “quality”.
What is a dichotomy
A dichotomy is a division or separation into two parts . The concept can be used in different areas.
Based on all of the above, we can establish that among the synonyms of dichotomy are fragmentation, bifurcation, separation or segmentation. On the contrary, its antonyms include ligation, union or connection.
In our lives and throughout history, human beings have encountered a series of dichotomies that have been and continue to be very present. Among the most significant we can highlight good and evil , heaven and hell , the body and the mind ...
The dichotomy can generate doubts or uncertainty.
The concept in botany and anatomy
In the field of botany , a bifurcation of a branch or stem is called a dichotomy. The dichotomous separation refers to the fact that the structure in question is divided into two parts that are almost identical.
The idea of dichotomy also appears in anatomy with the same meaning. The trachea, for example, goes through a dichotomy that results in the appearance of the bronchi.
Dichotomy in linguistics, philosophy and logic
Within the field of linguistics we have to highlight the existence of what is known as Saussure's Dichotomy . The Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure (1857 – 1913) was the creator of this theory, within which he spoke of studying language in a synchronic and diachronic way while making reference to what he called external linguistics and internal linguistics, for example. Not forgetting that he determined that the power of exchange and the spirit of the bell tower rested on the language.
For philosophy , dichotomy is a classificatory method that involves the successive division of concepts into two . In this way, concepts B and C are obtained from a concept A. In turn, concepts D and E emanate from concept B , while concepts F and G emerge from concept C. And so on.
Logic understands dichotomy as the breakdown of a generic principle into two : a specific concept and its corresponding negation. This procedure is carried out when, starting from a situation, two paths are proposed that are opposite or contrary to each other.
A false dilemma
Sometimes we speak of false dichotomy or false dilemma to refer to the presentation of two options as the only possible alternatives, without considering the existence of other paths. This is common in electoral processes where two candidates stand out from the rest and polarize each other, ruling out the others.
Suppose that, in a country, the best-known presidential candidates are two: a leader of the Conservative Party and another of the Liberal Party . Voters are therefore presented with a dichotomy: choosing between a conservative model and a liberal model. However, there are other candidates (from the Radical Party , the Socialist Party , the Nationalist Party , etc.) who have different proposals. That is why the dichotomy, in this case, is false.