Comment by stedwick on Newcomb's Problem and Regret of Rationality · 2009-10-05T11:31:04.907Z · LW · GW

I really don't see what the problem is. Clearly, the being has "read your mind" and knows what you will do. If you are of the opinion to take both boxes, he knows that from his mind scan, and you are playing right into his hands.

Obviously, your decision cannot affect the outcome because it's already been decided what's in the box, but your BRAIN affected what he put in the box.

It's like me handing you an opaque box and telling you there is $1 million in it if and only if you go and commit murder. Then, you open the box and find it empty. I then offer Hannibal Lecter the same deal, he commits murder, and then opens the box and finds $1 million. Amazing? I don't think so. I was simply able to create an accurate psychological profile of the two of you.