In plus definitions, totalitarian thinking refers to the use of all or none judgments in cases where more or less fits the case. Plus root theory emphasizes as a basic tenet that: there is a crucial distinction between all-or-none thinking and either-or thinking. Either-or thinking is a legitimate use of affirmative logical relationships. Often either-or thinking is useful in making good decisions. Nonetheless, there are times when people mistakenly treat a situation as either-or, that in reality is a more or less. When we make this mistake, our thinking tends in the totalitarian direction. [From negotiation Chapter]

To address a gray situation as if it were black and white, is serious logical fallacy. A good logic course makes clear how to tell one situation from the other. To deprive students of this knowledge is counter productive. It is a basic plus tenet that: good, sound courses in affirmative syllogistic logic are a major need if we desire to keep democracy healthy and strong.  [From negotiation Chapter]

Unfortunately, in modern education, good courses in syllogistic logic have been removed from most curricula. Even the teaching of affirmative syllogistic logic is becoming a lost art.  [Similar idea in Chapter 2, Negotiation]

New Dialectical Movements

In some aspects of modern philosophy, totalitarian oriented ideologies have taken hold that disparage the values of plain commonsense. New dialectical movements have come into play that arouse antagonism and stir up prejudice. These divisive campaigns reinstate the old ways that John Adams deplored. 

Movements that incorporate counter affirmative themes into the rational style of society are like osteoporosis. They slowly hollow out the bones and society does not see the weakness until suddenly the bones break. If the osteoporosis has gone too far, healing can be a difficult process.

As plus root theory develops it explores the difference between affirmative values and totalitarian values. How can commonsense hold its own when surrounded by the forces of intrigue? [Similar idea in Chapter Six, Commonsense]

Non Totalitarian: 

Plus root theory is firm and vigorous but not totalitarian. It honors impartial truth and human possibilities while at the same time recognizing the limits of human knowledge. All affirmative philosophies enjoin a speculative stance and are fundamentally non totalitarian. They maintain a provisional quality that recognizes human limitations. They aim to clarify understanding, seek impartial truth; use right reason, play fair and make improvements. Plus root theory emphatically favors an improvement mentality and vigorously opposes a totalitarian mentality. All affirmative elemental philosophies oppose totalitarianism, but many of the older theories did not explicitly stress the issue. [From Plus Essay]

Hyperbole:

Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect. Exaggerations of this type are not totalitarian pronouncements and should not be interpreted that way. 

Civil discourse requires that participants treat a figure of speech as the speaker or writer intends and give the benefit of the doubt as needed. People often exaggerate for effect. These hyperboles are usually recognizable by tone of voice and/or context. 

At the same time, civil discourse requires that speakers and writers use their figures of speech in a responsible manner. This is particularly true of hyperbole. People involved in negotiating serious matters should avoid hyperbole. 

It is a totalitarian tactic is to treat a figure of speech as if the person meant what they said in a literal manner and then ridicule the person as being dim witted. It is a totalitarian tactic to us 'hyperbole' as an excuse to ruin the reputation of others.

hy·per·bo·le (hº-pûr"b…-l¶) n. A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect, as in I could sleep for a year or This book weighs a ton. Syn.  exaggeration, • embellishment, • embroidery, • boasting, • inflation, • bravado, • magnification, • overstatement, • understatement (antonym) [AmHerCD 99]

Antithetical thinking tends toward a win/loose, totalitarian mentality. In contrast, affirmative thinking tends toward a win/win improvement mentality. 

Complex: 

Because root problems are intertwined it is difficult to address them one at a time but it can be done if people do not approach logic with a totalitarian mentality. Affirmative thinking is different from antithetical thinking. An affirmative approach seeks answers adequate for the occasion. An antithetical mentality requires all or none answers, adopts a hardcore stance and measures progress by defeating the enemy. The difference will become more clear as plus root theory develops. [Similar idea in Plus Essay]

Mix: 

Actual people are virtually always a mixture of plus and minus. The plus system supports an affirmative sorting mentality where affirmative ideas come more and more into dominance. The plus system aims to avoid totalitarian absolutes. [Similar idea in Plus Essay] 

Sort: 

Plus Root Theory advocates an affirmative sorting mentality. An affirmative sorting mentality uses a well formed interpretation of the rules of right reason with honest effort to make practical improvements bit by bit. An improvement or sorting mentality is the opposite of a totalitarian mentality which sets power first and demands absolute solutions now -- or else. [Similar idea in Plus Essay]