C# generics contraints propagation

Question

This example is a simplification of the real problem, but how can I get this to compile? I would expect the generics constraints to propagate.

Since T is a TClass and TC

Answer 1

Since T is a TClass and TClass is a class, why isn't T a class?

Premise 1: "Bob Smith" is a proper name.

Premise 2: "A proper name" is a three word sentence fragment.

Conclusion: Therefore "Bob Smith" is a three word sentence fragment.

That logic is obviously not correct.

Premise 1: T is a TClass

Premise 2 : TClass is a class

Conclusion: Therefore T is a class.

That logic is incorrect for the same reason.

In both cases we are using "is" to mean two completely different things in the two premises. In the first premise, "is" is used to mean "these two things have the is-a-kind-of relationship between them". In the second premise, "is" is used to mean "this one thing possesses a particular characteristic".

You can see that your logic is wrong more directly by simply substituting in for T and TClass:

Premise 1: int is a System.ValueType

('is' means 'has a subclassing relationship')

Premise 2 : System.ValueType is a class

('is' means 'has a particular property, namely, being copied by reference)

Conclusion: Therefore int is a class.

And again, we come up with an incorrect conclusion because "is" is used in two inconsistent ways.

Another example:

Premise 1: A hamburger is better than nothing.

Premise 2: Nothing is better than a good steak.

Conclusion: A hamburger is better than a good steak, by transitivity.

Finally, for more thoughts on this topic, see my recent article:

http://ericlippert.com/2011/09/19/inheritance-and-representation/