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Newcomb's Paradox: a Subversive Interpretation

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  • K.Vela Velupillai

Abstract

A re-interpretation of the asymmetric roles assigned to the two agents in the genesis of Newcomb’s Paradox is suggested. The re-interpretation assigns a more active role for the 'rational' agent and a possible Turing Machine interpretation for the behaviour of the demon (alias 'being from another planet, with an advanced technology and science,..,etc.'). These modifications, while introducing new conundrums to an already diabolical interaction, do allow the 'rational' agent, as a computably behavioural agent, to make a clear decision, if any decision is possible at all. This latter caveat is necessary because in the Turing Machine formulation, the computably behavioural agent might have to face algorithmic undecidabilities

Suggested Citation

  • K.Vela Velupillai, 2011. "Newcomb's Paradox: a Subversive Interpretation," ASSRU Discussion Papers 1128, ASSRU - Algorithmic Social Science Research Unit.
    • Handle: RePEc:trn:utwpas:1128
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