This type of claim that is conditional if the claim included the words: if and then. This means that if a claim was said and the first part of the claim was said, the second part must be the consequence or the after math of the first part of the claim.
It's sort of like Mathematics. If A is greater than B then B is less than A. As you can see I used the words "if" and "then". These two words are two key factors when it comes to the idea of conditional claims.
For example: My mother would always tell me: "If you behave right now, then I will buy you anything that is worth one dollar."
So if I was to behave at that time, then my mother would reward me anything that was worth a dollar. But if I was not to behave, then my mother would not be obligated to reward me.
Conditional claims are great ways to apply behavior modification techniques. You get an M & M if you respond the way I want, or if not, I'll turn my back on you. My mom taught special education and used this technique with her class for the first two months. Doing this, she was able to gain control over some very difficult acting out behavior.
ReplyDeleteActually, I think lots of life is structured around the conditional claim. "You will get a paycheck if you find a job and go to work. Well, that's a multiple conditional claim."
Socially, the same type of claim works. "Comb your hair if you want to go out with me."
Is EVERYTHING a conditional claim? No, thank goodness. But I think a lot of things that are relationship based do have conditional claims involved, even if they are unstated.