Dilemma

WillowTheWhisp · 21-01-2005, 22:10

Many years ago a poor farmer had the misfortune ofowing a large sum of money to a village money lender. The money lender,who was old and ugly, fancied the farmer's beautiful daughter. So he proposed abargain.

He said he would forgo the farmer's debt if he could marry his daughter.Both the farmer and his daughter were horrified by the proposal. So the cunning money lender suggested that they let providence decide the matter.He told them that he would put a black pebble and a white pebble into anemptymoney bag. Then the girl would have to pick one pebble from the bag.

1) If she picked the black pebble, she would become his wife and herfather's debt would be forgiven.

2) If she picked the white pebble she need not marry him and her father'sdebt would still be forgiven.

3) But if she refused to pick a pebble, her father would be thrown intojail.

They were standing on a pebble strewn path in the farmer's field. As theytalked, the money lender bent over to pick up two pebbles. As he pickedthem up, the sharp eyed girl noticed that he had picked up two black pebblesand put them into the bag. He then asked the girl to pick a pebble fromthebag.

Now, imagine that you were standing in the field. What would you havedone if you were the girl? If you had to advise her, what would you have toldher?

Careful analysis might produce these three possibilities:

1. The girl should refuse to take a pebble.

2. The girl should show that there were two black pebbles in the bag andexpose the money lender as a cheat.

3. The girl should pick a black pebble and sacrifice herself in order tosave her father from his debt and imprisonment.

Take a moment to ponder over the story. Think of the possible consequences in each case if she chooses any of the above logical answers.

What would you recommend to the girl to do?

I'll wait for a few suggestions and then let you know what she did.

accymel · 21-01-2005, 23:01

if it were me i'd go with no 2 cos it sounded more logical, no doubt i'll have chosen the worst consequence for the easy option lol

entwisi · 22-01-2005, 07:18

I'd pick up a white pebble from the floor and 'produce' that one from the bag. The money lender can't show that there are still two black ones in there because he would be showing himself to be a cheat.

WillowTheWhisp · 22-01-2005, 07:52

Very close Entwisi. Any more ideas?

Mick · 22-01-2005, 09:17

Pick 1 of the pebbles from the bag and throw it on the beach then show the pebble that is left in the bag,
as this would be black they must assume the other pebble thats now with the others on the beach must have been the white pebble.

WillowTheWhisp · 22-01-2005, 16:14

You've got it Mick

And of course he can't complain because that would show him for the cheat he was.

Tinkerbelle · 22-01-2005, 21:47

That was good willow i didn't post but i was racking my brain trying to think! I didn't know if it was a trick question or conscience. Have you any more?

sarnie boy · 22-01-2005, 21:53

my theory is like micks but instead of throwing it on the beach throw it at the money lender therefore killing him Then expose him as a cheat

WillowTheWhisp · 23-01-2005, 17:42

The farmer's beautiful daughter wouldn't be so vicious.

I got it in email - if I get any more I'll post them.