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OrphanWilde comments on Omega's Idiot Brother, Epsilon - Less Wrong Discussion

3 Post author: OrphanWilde 25 November 2015 07:57PM

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Comment author: OrphanWilde 25 November 2015 09:28:16PM 0 points [-]

The interesting properties actually all exist in the original Newcomb's Problem, which if you're not familiar with it, has two important differences: First, Omega leaves the boxes, so they're both there. Second, Omega always, or nearly always in some variations, predicts what you'll do. (So the expected value is $1,000 versus $1,000,000).

The addition of these two properties result in some number of people insisting they'd two-box, and in at least one philosopher's answer, if for no other reason than to take a principled stand for human autonomy and free will. (Which, if this weren't all talk, would be rather an expensive principle that one has no choice but to stand up for...)