Hypotheticals

We learnt about "Hypotheticals" as a form of communication yesterday.

What are hypotheticals? They are scenarios with YOU in it and allows you to think what you will do in those scenarios. For example, we talked about cloning and designer babies yesterday. Logically and ethically, you might reject cloning and advocate that this is against the laws of nature. But what if you have a loved one (parent, husband, wife or child) suffering from an illness and you know the ONLY way to save their lives is through cloning? Will you then agree to this procedure?

Hypotheticals puts us in situations that could come true, and forces us to somewhat make a decision now and predict what we will do IF these situations do happen. It's interesting that people could make decisions based on different parameters - ethics, religion, emotions...

Do you remember seeing an ad that works on this principle? A car advert or a condo advert that says "Imagine driving in a luxury car...", "Imagine living in the middle of the city"...these are hypotheticals at work too...putting people in made-up situations and take away and logical arguments for or against purchasing that product. It plays on consumers' desires and emotions.

Think of a hypothetical: And ask yourself what you would do.