Tullius est [et Tullius non est Cicero]: counterfactuals

Unlike my ancient predecessor, this Tullius hasn't had his hands chopped off. With hands attached I offer my thoughts on philosophy, religion, politics, and whatever else I find worth mentioning. I'm conservative religiously and politically (with libertarian leanings). I value reason and freedom but also traditions and "Oldthink." I relish being on the wrong side of history when history is wrong--part of a philosopher's job is to be unpopular. (Views given here may not represent my employers')

Showing posts with label counterfactuals. Show all posts

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Per Impossible Counterfactual Sale of One's Son

Sam: "Dad, if you sold me, how much dollars would you sell me?"
Me: "Why do you ask:?"
Sam: "I just want to know."
Me: "Son, I would never sell you."
Sam: "Dad, IF you had to sell me, how much dollars would you sell me?"
Me: "There is never a possible circumstance in which I would sell you. And it's "how MANY dollars, not how MUCH dollars."
Sam: "But, DAD, IF you HAADDD to sell me, how MANY dollars would you sell me?"
Me: "Five dollars."
Sam: "DAD!!!!"
Me: "Maybe four, if they twisted my arm."
Sam: "DAAAD!!!"
Me: "You asked. I told you I'd never do it. On the condition that I would never do it, I'd do it for six bucks, tops!"