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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Asimov's short story "Pate de Foie Gras," specifically the question of how the character known as The Goose accomplished a certain task. Participants express curiosity about the story's plot and the implications of scientific advancements on its interpretation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reflects on Asimov's intention for the story to have a rational answer, noting that advancements in science have led to new interpretations of the solution.
  • Another participant questions the specifics of what The Goose did, indicating a lack of clarity on the plot details.
  • A different participant suggests that revealing the answer would detract from the enjoyment of the story, emphasizing the narrative's brilliance.
  • One participant expresses frustration at not being able to find previous discussions on the topic and mentions the need to focus on other responsibilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specifics of the story or its interpretations. Multiple viewpoints and questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding the nature of The Goose's actions and the implications of scientific progress on the story's meaning.

Contextual Notes

There are references to previous discussions that may contain relevant insights, but these are not easily accessible to all participants. The conversation reflects a mix of curiosity and frustration regarding the narrative and its interpretations.

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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.