Skip to content

Topics Thinkers Changes ContributorsLoading account…

Carmelics

A reasoning platform. Break down any belief into clear reasons, explore both sides, and weigh the evidence honestly.

Navigate

Topics
Search
Recent Changes
Contribute
How It Works
Glossary
Thinkers
Contributors
About
Statistics
Terms
Privacy

Database

Statements: —
Perspectives: —
Topics: —

Press ? for keyboard shortcuts

Made within

DC&

Austin

Statements: 321,452
Perspectives: 108,905
Topics: 42

The would-be assassin's willingness remains merely hypoth... — Carmelics

History Edit See Inverse

Part of a larger discussion

Challenges→The would-be assassin who did not even try to kill may share the same degree of responsibility as the successful and unsuccessful assassins.

The would-be assassin's willingness remains merely hypothetical until tested by actual circumstances, and unhypothesized conditions (e.g., last-minute moral reconsideration) cannot be ruled out.

?Rate how convincing each reason is below to see the overall strength.

1 reason for

1 reason against

Reasons For

1 perspective

Reason for

?

1.Mental states existing prior to action remain epistemically inaccessible; we cannot know internal dispositions without behavioral manifestation.
?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak
2.Psychological research shows last-minute moral reconsideration, fear responses, and situational factors frequently override prior intentions.
?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak
3.Confusing hypothetical willingness with actual willingness conflates dispositional states with actualized commitments, committing a logical error.
?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

Reasons Against

1 perspective

Reason against

?

1.If willingness requires actual testing, then no prediction about future behavior is ever justified—an absurdly skeptical conclusion.
?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak
2.We regularly hold people accountable for conspiracy and attempt based on demonstrated intent; this account undermines criminal liability frameworks.
?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak
3.The claim proves too much: it would render past actions unknowable since 'unhypothesized conditions' could have changed motivations retroactively.
?
Think about whether this reason is strong or weak

Sign in or register to share your perspective on this statement.

Next step

Based on where you are in your exploration

Strongest counterpoint

Explore the most compelling reason on the other side.

Key Terms

Counterfactual conditions(the statement uses 'unhypothesized conditions' to mean unexpected factors that could change the outcome): Situations or events that could have happened but didn't, or factors we didn't actually observe.
Hypothetical(describing the assassin's willingness before it's actually put into action): Something that exists only in theory or imagination, not yet proven or tested in real life.
Modal logic(logic): A system of logic that deals with concepts like possibility, necessity, and what could or must be true.
Moral reconsideration(an example of an unexpected factor that could prevent the assassin from going through with it): Changing your mind about what is right or wrong, usually at the last moment before taking action.

Connections

1 topic

Moral Responsibility1 linked

Related

Confusing hypothetical willingness with actual willingness conflates disposition...If willingness requires actual testing, then no prediction about future behavior...Mental states existing prior to action remain epistemically inaccessible; we can...Psychological research shows last-minute moral reconsideration, fear responses, ...

+3 moreShow less

The claim proves too much: it would render past actions unknowable since 'unhypo...The would-be assassin who did not even try to kill may share the same degree of ...

Details

Type: claim
Perspectives: 2 (1 for, 1 against)
Edits: 1 edit

We regularly hold people accountable for conspiracy and attempt based on demonst...