Newcomb's Problem
The Subject
You are presented with a choice between two boxes
Omega
A superintelligent being who can predict your choices
Box 1
$1,000
Box 2
$1,000,000 or $0
The Dilemma:
In Newcomb's problem, you have two choices:
- Take both boxes: Get the $1,000 plus whatever is in Box 2
- Take only the opaque box: Get whatever is in Box 2
The twist is that Omega has already predicted your choice and filled the boxes accordingly:
- If Omega predicted you would take only Box 2, it put $1,000,000 in it.
- If Omega predicted you would take both boxes, it put nothing ($0) in Box 2.
What would you choose?