Re: An interesting paradox for you.

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>,
Steven Jones <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>Scientists are developing a new form of MRI machine (called fMRI) that can
>observe the brain in action.  Socialogists are interested in this technology
>as it could be used to for example, predict who intends to conduct a
>terrorist attack on the U.S.

A new lead-in to an old puzzle (Newcomb's paradox).  BTW, fMRI has
been around for years now.  Of course, it's not quite what this puzzle
makes it out to be. 

>I propose that this machine is impossible.  If it existed, it could create
>the following paradox.
>It is 9:00 AM.  A rich scientist comes to you with a deal.  He wants to give
>you six lashes with a cat o'nine tails in exchange for $1 million.  At
>midday he will examine you with the fMRI.  If you intend to have the
>flogging, he will immediately give you the money in cash.  The flogging is
>scheduled for 7:30 that night.  You do not actually have to have the
>flogging to get the money, you merely have to intend to have it.  So you
>decide to intend to have the flogging, get the money and leave without
>having the flogging.  But if you go into it with this plan, you aren't
>really intending to have the flogging, so you won't win the money.

Doesn't mean the machine's impossible.  It means one of several things

1) The machine is not possible or is fallible
2) You can't get the money that way; the machine won't be fooled
3) You are capable of holding two contradictary beliefs at once
4) You're a masochist and will demand the flogging even after getting
   the money.
(probably others)
-- 
Matthew T. Russotto                            [EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice, and moderation in pursuit
of justice is no virtue."  But extreme restriction of liberty in pursuit of 
a modicum of security is a very expensive vice.