The Paradox Portal
Psychological/Decision

Newcomb's Problem

Should you take one box or two when a predictor knows your choice?

Overview

A decision theory paradox pitting evidential decision theory against causal decision theory.

A predictor places $1M in box A if it predicts you'll take only A, or $0 if you'll take both. Box B always has $1000. The predictor is highly accurate. One-boxers get rich, but taking both boxes seems rational since the money is already there.

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