The Paradox Portal
Psychological/Decision

Lizard (Toxin) Paradox

You're rewarded for intending to drink poison but you shouldn't actually drink it

Overview

A decision theory paradox about forming intentions for actions you won't want to execute.

You're offered $1 million for genuinely intending to drink non-lethal but unpleasant poison tomorrow. Once you form the intention and get the money, drinking the poison serves no purpose. But can you genuinely intend to do something you know you'll have no reason to do?

Learn More