Is It Possible to Give an Explanation for Something That

question 18

Multiple Choice

Is it possible to give an explanation for something that hasn't happened yet?

• A)No, since explanations are always given after the fact.
• B)No, since future events are always unknown, so we can argue for them, but not explain them.
• C)No, since explanation requires us to work backward, not forward.
• D)Yes, since we could try to convince someone that a future event will happen.
• E)Yes, since some facts about the future are known in advance.

---

Definitions:

Retained Earnings

The amount of net earnings remaining for the company after distributing dividends to its shareholders.

Shareholders' Equity

The ownership interest of shareholders in a company, calculated as the company's total assets minus its total liabilities.

Appropriations

The act of setting aside funds for a specific purpose, often used in government budgeting.

Contra-Asset

An account on a company's balance sheet that reduces the value of related, primary asset accounts.