If the machine predicts that you will take both Boxes A and B, Box B will be empty. But if the machine predicts that you will take Box B only, then Box B will contain $1,000,000,000. The machine has already done it’s prediction and the contents of box B has already been set. Which box/boxes do you take?

To reiterate, you choices are:

-Box A and B

-Box B only

(“Box A only” is not an option because no one is that stupid lol)

Please explain your reasoning.

My answer is:

spoiler

I mean I’d choose Box B only, I’d just gamble on the machine being right. If the machine is wrong, I’ll break that thing.


This is based on Newcomb’s Paradox (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newcomb’s_paradox), but I increased the money to make it more interesting.

  • annegreen@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    Though OP never actually stated that the machine can perfectly predict the future. If that’s the case, then yes, you should just take box B. But we’re not given any information about how it makes its prediction. If @[email protected] is correct in assuming it’s a 50-50, then their strategy of taking both is best. It really depends on how the machine makes its prediction.