Comment on Pascal's Mugging Solved

Wed, 28 May 2014 13:53:53 GMT

Thanks. I think I see something about Pascal's Mugging that is confusing me, then, but I'll try to build out the logic step by step so that if I go wrong I'll better know where.

Even if someone has a value system that can be made to accept multiple types of Simpleton Gambits, they can still only be made to accept one Simpleton Gambit that has, as a requirement for accepting that type of gambit, not accepting any other Simpleton Gambits.

It doesn't appear to matter that not accepting those other types of Simpleton Gambits goes against their previous value system: Once they accept that gambit, they are now a Simpleton and don't get to decide.

A similar problem occurs with them giving up the 5 dollars at all: Once they do that, that limits their ability to make future decisions (that might require them to pay), even if they want to, in those circumstances. Not as much as a Simpleton Gambit, of course.

In both cases, agreeing to the threat now limits your options later, right?

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