We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.
We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 October 2014
Suppose we are sitting in a room, and I tell you that if you walk out a certain door, you will die instantly. However, if you remain in your chair for another five minutes, you can leave when you like with no ill effects. If you believe me, and you value your life, you will stay put, at least for five minutes.
This situation poses an easy choice. It requires little thought and no analysis, and the best option is transparently clear. A number of attributes make this an easy case: First, the choice is stark, with only two extreme outcomes, live or die. Second, the consequences are certain-live if you stay, die if you leave. Third, the outcomes are immediate, with no time delay. Fourth, there are no financial costs involved, and if anything the preferred choice (staying in your chair) is easier than getting up and leaving. And finally, you are making this choice for yourself; you are the one who decides and who will experience the outcomes.
To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure no-reply@cambridge.org is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.
Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.
Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.
To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.
