4 - An Acceptance Test for Fictions

Summary

This chapter ties together all the threads of the book to construct a general Acceptance Test for fictions. I begin by discussing the nature of the desired Acceptance Test in terms of the width of the discretion it should contain, and of the fundamental policy it should reflect. I then discuss the motives for fictions, concluding that the Acceptance Test should not take motive into account. There follows an analysis of previous findings as to specific fictions, in light of the Effect and Nature Classifications. The Classifications are used to separate desirable from undesirable fictions. The roles of justice and conservatism are considered. I argue that existing fictions should be treated more leniently than new fictions. This distinction finds expression in two sub-tests of the Acceptance Test: the Retention Test and Creation Test. Finally, the Acceptance Test is presented as the combination of the Retention Test and Creation Test in one flowchart.