The Davidson Method

Abstract

How do you know if what you feel is real, or is simply the natural result of a modified belief/desire? Does it even matter? In this work of philosophical short story fiction, Susan and Richard are getting a divorce, but their son is struggling to come to terms with it. They head to the clinic to learn about using the “Davidson Method” to modify their child’s brain so he will be more accepting of their divorce. Alison, the person in charge of explaining their options to them, explains that long term brain modifications in children are not permitted. However, she suggests, as adults, they could use the method to make a long-term modification so that they are happy in their marriage. They reject this idea. The next option, she suggests, is to modify them so that they don’t care that their child is unhappy about the divorce. They likewise, reject this idea. Alison explains to them the desire to make their child happy too, can be modified. The couple rejects the idea and leaves the office, determined to work harder on their marriage, rather than face the horrible prospect of programming themselves not to love their child.