twanvl comments on Semi-open thread: blackmail - Less Wrong

0 Post author: Stuart_Armstrong 15 July 2013 04:25PM

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Comment author: twanvl 15 July 2013 04:48:27PM 0 points [-]

What is the reason that Agent A asks for an extra £10? Is it because he had a bucket of green paint laying around that is about to go bad, and he doesn't want to spend £9 to drive to the store to buy black paint? Or does he believe he can get away with demanding more since the contracts needs to get amended?

Comment author: wedrifid 15 July 2013 05:10:35PM 3 points [-]

What is the reason that Agent A asks for an extra £10? Is it because he had a bucket of green paint laying around that is about to go bad, and he doesn't want to spend £9 to drive to the store to buy black paint? Or does he believe he can get away with demanding more since the contracts needs to get amended?

The second. The scenario is contrived such that it contains credible commitment to self harm that also harms the other.