one box or two? newcomb’s paradox. the argument for a 1)god is omniscient. 2)if (1) and i take b,...

One Box or Two?

Newcomb’s Paradox

The Argument for A

1) God is omniscient.

2) If (1) and I take B, I’ll get $1,000,000.

3) If (1) and I take A and B, I’ll get $1,000.

4) $1,000,000 is better than $1,000.

5) [So] I should take B.

The Argument for A and B

1) God either (i) put $1,000,000 in B or (ii) put nothing in box B.

2) If (i) and I take B, I’ll get $1,000,000.3) If (i) and I take A and B, I’ll get $1,001,000.4) $1,001,000 is better than $1,000,000.5) [So] If (i), I should take both A and B.6) If (ii) and I take B, I’ll get nothing.7) If (ii) and I take A and B, I’ll get $1,000.8) $1,000 is better than nothing9) [So] If (ii), I should take A and B.10) [So] I should take A and B (whether i or ii).

Newcomb’s Paradox

I would, without hesitation, take both boxes… it is perfect clear to me that any human being worthy of being considered a human being (including most certainly myself) would prefer free will, if such a thing could exist…Now, then, suppose you take both boxes and it turns out (as it almost certainly will) that God has foreseen this and placed nothing in the second box. You will then, at least, have expressed your willingness to gamble on his nonomniscience and on your own free will and will have willingly given up a million dollars for the sake of that willingness—itself a snap of the finger in the face of the Almighty and a vote, however futile, for free will…

Newcomb’s Paradox

…And, of course, if God has muffed and left a million dollars in the box, then not only will you have gained that million, but far more important you will have demonstrated God's nonomniscience. If you take only the second box, however, you get your damned million and not only are you a slave but also you have demonstrated your willingness to be a slave for that million and you are not someone I recognize as human.

-Isaac Asimov