Two Curly Ones

It should not be my decision, says Kant.

Obviously, says Gaius. But you must have an opinion.

I do have an opinion, says Kant. 

So do I, says Terence.

And what is your opinion? asks Kant.

She asked me if I wanted ice cream, says Terence. 

For the pineapple, says Sweezus. Which you were minding for him.

I can't eat the pineapple, says Terence. I'm not allowed to.

It is certainly a curly one, says Gaius.

I'm quite prepared to forego the ice cream, says Kant.

We could share it, says Terence.

Well said, Terence, says Gaius.

Indeed, says Kant. A good example of the use of the categorical imperative.

Is that one of your inventions? asks Sweezus.

It is, says Kant. One should act in a manner that one would want everyone else to act in, in similar circumstances, regardless of the outcome.

I guess that's what Terence did, says Sweezus. 

What did I do? asks Terence.

You said you'd share it, says Sweezus. Which is what everyone else at this table would have suggested.

What? says Terence.

It means you did the right thing, says Sweezus.

The server comes back with a dish of vanilla icecream drizzled with strawberry topping, and a spoon.

She places it on the table, in front of Terence.

I didn't know if you wanted the pineapple separate, says the server.

Terence doesn't want to ruin his current excellent reputation.

What would everyone else at the table suggest?

Pineapple mixed in? Pineapple separate?

Sweezus looks preoccupied. He's trying to get his head round the categorical imperative. No help there. 

Arthur is picking his teeth, between two of which is lodged a stringy fragment of oyster.

Gaius is looking encouraging. But what does that mean?

Kant seems to be waiting for Terence to give an answer.

Which is not really fair.

Seeing the pineapple was his in the first place.