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{{Short description|False dilemma in which contradictory observations lead to the same conclusion}}
A '''Morton's fork''' is a type of [[false dilemma]] in which contradictory observations lead to the same conclusion. It is said to have originated with the rationalising of a [[benevolence (tax)|benevolence]] by the 15th century English prelate [[John Morton (bishop)|John Morton]].

The earliest known use of the term dates from the mid-19th century and the only known earlier mention is a claim by [[Francis Bacon]] of an extant tradition.<ref name="ODPF">{{cite web |url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-MortonsFork.html |title=Morton's Fork |work=Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=12 September 2017}}</ref>

==Dilemma==
Under [[Henry VII of England|Henry VII]], John Morton was made archbishop of Canterbury in 1486 and Lord Chancellor in 1487. He rationalised requiring the payment of a benevolence (tax) to King Henry by reasoning that someone living modestly must be saving money, and therefore could afford the benevolence, whereas someone living extravagantly was obviously rich, and therefore could also afford the benevolence.<ref name="OED">{{cite book | url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/Morton%27s-Fork | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112202952/http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/Morton%27s-Fork | url-status=dead | archive-date=November 12, 2013 | title=Morton's Fork | publisher=Oxford English Dictionary}}</ref><ref name="ODPF"/> ''Morton's Fork'' may have been invented by another of Henry's supporters, [[Richard Foxe]].<ref name="B. Chrimes, p. 203">S. B. Chrimes, ''Henry VII'', p. 203.</ref>

==Other uses==
"[[Morton's fork coup]]" is a manoeuvre in the game of [[Contract bridge|bridge]] that uses the principle of Morton's fork.<ref>Frey et al. (1976). ''The Official Encyclopedia of Bridge'', p. 295. {{ISBN|0-517-52724-3}}.</ref><ref>Gray, Robert. [[The Bridge World]], March 1973</ref>

==See also==
* [[Hobson's choice]]
* [[Sophie's Choice (novel)|''Sophie's Choice'']]

==References==
{{reflist|1}}

{{Decision theory paradoxes}}

[[Category:Dilemmas]]
[[Category:Logic]]
[[Category:Decision-making paradoxes]]