The Obvious Problem That No One Can Agree On

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veritasium science physics Veritasium newcomb paradox free will newcomb philosophical puzzles newcomb's problem supercomputer maths philosophy predict prediction decision theory one box two boxes william newcomb causal connection expected utility strategic dominance evidential decision theory causal decision theory wishful thinking newcomb's paradox backward causation problem

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The Obvious Problem That No One Can Agree On

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A huge thank you to Dr. Arif Ahmed, Dr. Adam Elga, Dr. Kenny Easwaran, Dr. Peter Slezak, Dr. David Wolpert, Dr. Scott Aaronson & Dr. Michael Huemer for their invaluable expertise and contributions to this video on Newcomb’s Paradox.

The causal expected utility calculation was based on a post by Professor Huemer here - https://ve42.co/Huemer

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0:00 What is Newcomb’s Paradox?

3:24 Pick 1 Box!

5:24 Pick Both!

6:38 What is decision theory?

11:27 What does Newcomb’s Paradox say about free will?

13:25 What does it mean to be rational?

16:49 Mutually Assured Destruction

20:02 Precommitment Is The Ultimate Strategy

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References can be found here - https://ve42.co/NewcombRefs

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Writers: Sulli Yost & Casper Mebius

Producer & Director: Sulli Yost

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Additional Editing: Peter Nelson

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Music from Epidemic Sound

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Veritasium