Podcast
Questions and Answers
Newcomb’s problem has split the world of philosophy into two opposing ______.
Newcomb’s problem has split the world of philosophy into two opposing ______.
camps
Box A contains ______.
Box A contains ______.
£1,000
Box B may contain either nothing or ______.
Box B may contain either nothing or ______.
£1 million
The Super-Intelligent Being has never made a ______ prediction.
The Super-Intelligent Being has never made a ______ prediction.
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Dr. Arif Ahmed argues that you should take box ______ only.
Dr. Arif Ahmed argues that you should take box ______ only.
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In Newcomb's problem, your aim is to get the most ______.
In Newcomb's problem, your aim is to get the most ______.
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The scenario involves two closed boxes on a ______.
The scenario involves two closed boxes on a ______.
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The Super-Intelligent Being correctly predicted the election of ______.
The Super-Intelligent Being correctly predicted the election of ______.
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Newcomb’s problem has ramifications in economics, politics, and ______.
Newcomb’s problem has ramifications in economics, politics, and ______.
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The prediction was that if you take both boxes, box B would be ______.
The prediction was that if you take both boxes, box B would be ______.
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Study Notes
Newcomb's Problem
- Newcomb's problem, a philosophical thought experiment, asks individuals to choose between two boxes: Box A containing £1,000 and Box B containing either nothing or £1 million.
- The key element is a Super-Intelligent Being who has made a prediction about the individual's choice before they make it. If the Being predicts the individual will take both boxes, Box B will be left empty. However, if the Being predicts the individual will take only Box B, it will contain £1 million.
- This problem has sparked debate among philosophers and thinkers due to its implications in various fields, including economics, politics, and computer science.
Arguments for Taking Box B Only
- Dr. Arif Ahmed, Reader in Philosophy at Cambridge University, advocates for taking Box B only because the Super-Intelligent Being is always right.
- He argues that no matter what choice the individual makes, the Being will have correctly predicted it.
- If the individual takes Box B only, the Being would have predicted that choice, leading to the £1 million reward in Box B.
Newcomb’s Problem
- Newcomb's problem is a thought experiment involving two boxes.
- Box A contains £1,000 and Box B contains either nothing or £1 million.
- Participants must decide whether to take both boxes or only Box B.
- The problem includes a Super-Intelligent Being who predicts the participant's choice.
- If the Being predicts that the person will take both boxes, Box B will be empty.
- If the Being predicts that the person will take only Box B, it will contain £1 million.
Super-Intelligent Being
- The Being has a perfect track record of prediction, having correctly predicted events like Leicester’s Premier League victory, Brexit and Trump’s election.
Choosing to take Box B only
- Philosopher Dr Arif Ahmed argues that one should choose only Box B.
- His reasoning is based on the premise that the Super-Intelligent Being is always correct.
- Therefore, whatever choice the participant makes, the Being will have predicted it.
- By choosing only Box B, the participant ensures that the Being has predicted this choice, resulting in a £1 million reward.
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Description
Explore Newcomb's Problem, a thought experiment involving choices between two boxes. Delve into the implications of predictive reasoning influenced by a Super-Intelligent Being and discover diverse perspectives from philosophers. This quiz will test your understanding of the arguments surrounding this intriguing philosophical dilemma.
