If the machine predicts that you will take both Boxes A and B, Box B will be empty. But if the machine predicts that you will take Box B only, then Box B will contain $1,000,000,000. The machine has already done it’s prediction and the contents of box B has already been set. Which box/boxes do you take?
To reiterate, you choices are:
-Box A and B
-Box B only
(“Box A only” is not an option because no one is that stupid lol)
Please explain your reasoning.
My answer is:
spoiler
I mean I’d choose Box B only, I’d just gamble on the machine being right. If the machine is wrong, I’ll break that thing.
This is based on Newcomb’s Paradox (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newcomb’s_paradox), but I increased the money to make it more interesting.
If I wanted to use logic, I’d say taking both A and B is the only way to have a guaranteed $1,000,000 outcome, because B only could get you money but also nothing.
But, if I choose B only, I’m sort of “forcing” the machine into that kind of prediction, right? I don’t know about this experiment, but since your post says it’s a paradox, I think that’s how it works.
So my choice is B only, the machine has predicted it and I get a nice $1,000,000,000.
Am I totally off? :D