z (05/11/82)
Replies have stopped dribbling in, so here are the results of the Newcomb's Paradox poll: Box B alone 24 Both boxes 8 Box A alone (?) 1 Vigorous abstentions 1 The vigorous abstention said that he didn't want to have Newcomb laughing at him. One person chose box B alone so that he could support his parents in the style to which they would like to become accustomed. One person asked where he could find a computer which would make such a deal. Several people who chose either box B alone or both boxes expressed disbelief that anyone could make the other choice; some were prefaced with "Like everyone else, I'll choose...". Box B was running stronger at first; I got about 10 Box B replies before getting any for both boxes. People tended to be very strong in the expression of their opinions. Now, if such a computer were found and it interviewed these people, it would figure out their choices. And when they opened their boxes a week later, the Box B'ers would get $1,000,000, and the Both Boxers would get $1000.