| 释义 |
trilemma|traɪˈlɛmə|
[formed after dilemma: see tri-.]
A situation, or (in Logic) a syllogism, of the nature of a dilemma, but involving three alternatives instead of two.
1672P. Henry Diaries & Lett. 16 Feb. (1882) 250 Wee are put hereby to a Trilemma either to turn flat Independents, or to strike in with y⊇ conformists, or to sit down in former silence. 1690C. Nesse O. & N. Test. I. 375 Joseph..prudently answers the..trilemma, the..three⁓horned argument. 1725Watts Logic iii. ii. §6 This sort of argument may be..composed of three..members, and may be called a Trilemma. a1860Sears (Worcester), We stand in a trilemma, and we must adopt one of three sets of conclusions. 1887Fowler Deductive Logic v. (ed. 9) 120 We may form a Trilemma, Tetralemma, &c., by increasing the number of antecedents or consequents or both. |