9: Can an AI predict your choice? The mind-bending Newcomb's Paradox! And, who should pay on a date?

9: Can an AI predict your choice? The mind-bending Newcomb's Paradox! And, who should pay on a date?

From The Better Half Hour by Josh and McKenzie

March 13, 2026 · 34 min · Season 1 · Episode 9

About this episode

The episode explores the implications of AI predictions on human decision-making through the lens of Newcomb's Paradox and discusses dating norms.

A fascinating conversation erupts over a seemingly simple choice with potentially life-changing (or million-dollar-changing) stakes. When an entity knows your decision with near-perfect accuracy beforehand, does that knowledge change what one should do? The question pits logic against the belief in free will. Will one hedge their bets against the predictor, or trust their past success and aim for the grand prize? Prepare for a deep, late-night debate on causality and choice.

People in this episode

Hosts: Josh, McKenzie

Topics covered

  • AI prediction
  • free will
  • decision making
  • Newcomb's Paradox
  • causality
  • dating

Keywords

  • AI
  • Newcomb's Paradox
  • free will
  • decision making
  • dating
  • causality
  • choice

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