Nirvana Fallacy
Rejecting a workable option because it isn't a flawless, ideal solution.
- informal
The nirvana fallacy (or perfect solution fallacy) dismisses a realistic option by measuring it against a perfect, often impossible ideal rather than against the actual alternatives. Because nothing short of perfection will do, genuine improvements get thrown out for not solving everything.
Examples
- “Seatbelts don't prevent every death, so there's no point in requiring them.”
- “This recycling program won't fix climate change on its own, so why bother with it at all?”
Why it works & how to counter
Persuasive because comparing to the ideal makes any real option look inadequate. Counter it by weighing the option against the realistic alternatives — including doing nothing — rather than against perfection.