1.
binary opposition, dichotomy
A framework that divides things into two opposing categories. Used in academic, philosophical, and general discussion to describe black-and-white thinking or contrasting pairs.
善と悪の二項対立。
The binary opposition of good and evil.
問題を二項対立で考えるのは危険だ。
It's dangerous to think about problems in terms of binary opposition.
この議論は単純な二項対立に収まらない複雑な問題を含んでいる。
This debate involves complex issues that don't fit into a simple dichotomy.
USAGE:
二項対立 is used in academic and intellectual discussion, as well as in media commentary. It often appears when criticizing oversimplified arguments.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 二項対立で考える: to think in binary terms
- 二項対立に陥る: to fall into a dichotomy
- 二項対立を超える: to move beyond a binary opposition
- 単純な二項対立: a simple dichotomy