A university committee was selecting a new dean. They had narrowed the candidates down to a mathematician, an economist and a lawyer.

Each was asked this question during their interview: �How much is two plus two?�

The mathematician answered immediately, �Four.�

The economist thought for several minutes and finally answered, �Four, plus or minus one.�

Finally the lawyer stood up, peered around the room and motioned silently for the committee members to gather close to him. In a hushed, conspiratorial tone, he replied, �How much do you want it to be?�