AC argues that conventional historical inquiry dismisses the consideration of "what if" scenarios, suggesting this approach is more suitable for science fiction or comic books. He contends that historians should engage with these hypothetical questions, rather than avoiding them. Such inquiries could yield valuable insights into historical events and their probabilities.

He emphasizes that while historians typically refrain from speculating about alternate outcomes, they should focus on the "conditions of possibility." This perspective challenges the traditional boundaries of historical analysis and advocates for a more nuanced exploration of historical narratives.