Bennett, Jonathan - A Philosophical Guide to Conditionals

'If the American ambassador had understood her instructions, Iraq would not have invaded Kuwait.' 'If Shackleton had known how to ski, then he would have reached the South Pole in 1909.' 'If rabbits had not been deliberately introduced into New Zealand, there would be none there today.' These are probably all true, and we can hear, think, and say such things without intellectual discomfort.