What is the true solution to Asimov's Pate de Foie Gras problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Isaac Asimov's short story "Pate de Foie Gras," published in the anthology "Laughing Space" in 1982. The narrative presents a problem that initially garnered various rational answers, but advancements in science have since revealed a more straightforward solution that surprises readers. Asimov humorously expresses frustration over the scientific community's progress, suggesting it undermines the complexity of his original plot. Participants in the forum express curiosity about the goose's method and encourage exploration of related discussions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with Isaac Asimov's literary style and themes
  • Understanding of the historical context of science fiction in the 1980s
  • Knowledge of narrative structure and plot development
  • Awareness of the concept of scientific advancement and its impact on literature
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  • Read Isaac Asimov's "Pate de Foie Gras" for firsthand understanding
  • Explore discussions in the brain teaser section of relevant forums
  • Investigate the evolution of science fiction narratives post-1980s
  • Research the relationship between scientific progress and literary themes in speculative fiction
USEFUL FOR

Readers interested in science fiction, literary analysis, and the interplay between science and storytelling will benefit from this discussion. It is particularly relevant for fans of Isaac Asimov and those exploring narrative complexity in literature.

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Asimov's "Pate de Foie Gras"

So how did The Goose do it?
When I first read "Pate de Foie Gras," I thought that it was probably just another Asimovian gag, but I recently re-read the short story (anthologized in Laughing Space, pub. 1982), and the story was preceded by the following blurb:
This story, written a quarter-century ago, was carefully designed to allow one rational answer to the question that was asked at the end. To my pleasure, I got a number of answers (correct ones) over the next decade or so, with everyone marveling at the ingenuity of the problem.
Imagine my chagrin, however, when the advance of science made possible another answer that was better than any I had imagined. I found myself beginning to get that better answer from more and more people who were astonished (since the new answer was an obvious one) that the character in the story had any trouble at all.
I am seriously considering a lawsuit against the scientific establishment for the crime of making unauthorized scientific advances. The least they might have done would hae been to clear the whole thin with me first.

So now I am plagued by curiosity...
 
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How did the goose do what?

I remember reading a discussion about this story on these forums somewhere, maybe you should check the brain teaser section?
 
Now, you don't really want me to tell you, do you? The story's so much better when it takes you over a page to realize the sheer brilliance of the plot!
Thanks for the suggestion, I'm off to search the forums...
 
Durn. Not finding what I'm looking for. Double durn is that I need to get off of physics forums and write my paper that's due tomorrow.