Registration to Departmental Seminar, Department of Philosophy (2 Dec 2024)

Title: Two-Boxing Is Not Rationally Required

Speaker: Prof. Harold Noonan (Professor, Nottingham University,
Visiting Professor, Department of Philosophy, CUHK)

Date: 2 December 2024 (Mon)
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm HK Time
Venue: Room 220, Fung King Hey Building (Limited seats. Registrations will be handled on a first come, first served basis.) with synchronous online broadcasting on Zoom

Abstract:
In this paper I argue that any theory implying that two-boxing is the rationally required act in the Newcomb case is mistaken. I do so by building on recent work by Williamson (2021) and Mackie (2022). Williamson defends Causal Decision Theory against the challenge presented by Egan (2007), and in particular the Psychopath Button Case, appealing to a case he calls ‘Two Buttons’. His argument is that if CDT is correct, or any decision theory advocating two-boxing as the rational act in the Newcomb case is correct, pressing the button is the rationally required act in the Psychopath Button case. Furthermore, he argues, this is not just an opportunity for the evidential theorist to apply Modus Tollens since pressing the button in the Psychopath Button case is right. I elaborate on and endorse Williamson’s argument for his first claim – that if two-boxing is rationally required in Newcomb pressing the button is the rational act in Psychopath Button. But I deny his second. I argue, appealing to the ‘Knowledge Principle’ of Mackie (2022), that the agent in the Psychopath Button case can have no aim in pressing, so that pressing cannot be the rationally required act. I conclude that using Modus Tollens one can indeed establish that any decision theory which advocates two-boxing alone in Newcomb is mistaken.

Attend seminar online. No registration is required.
Meeting ID: 978 7926 1693
Link: https://cuhk.zoom.us/j/97879261693

Title
Name Name First Last
Email
CUHK Staff / Student?

CUHK Staff / Student? Yes No
Organization
Position
1. Provision of personal data is voluntary. The information collected will be used for the purposes of events and communication related to the Department and related responsible organization for this event. Only authorized personnel in the Department can access the information. The Department will promote and disseminate information such as talks, services and research information to you by post, email or phone. You have the right to make subsequent changes on your choice of receiving further promotional information by notifying us in written format.

2. Under the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, you can access and apply for amendment of the data in this form. Please contact our Institute staff if necessary.

3. The Institute will use the photos and videos taken from events in organizing and promotional purposes. If you do not agree with the relevant arrangements, you may submit your wishes and notify us in written format before the event.

I have read, understood and agreed with the above terms and conditions.

1. Provision of personal data is voluntary. The information collected will be used for the purposes of events and communication related to the Department and related responsible organization for this event. Only authorized personnel in the Department can access the information. The Department will promote and disseminate information such as talks, services and research information to you by post, email or phone. You have the right to make subsequent changes on your choice of receiving further promotional information by notifying us in written format. 2. Under the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, you can access and apply for amendment of the data in this form. Please contact our Institute staff if necessary. 3. The Institute will use the photos and videos taken from events in organizing and promotional purposes. If you do not agree with the relevant arrangements, you may submit your wishes and notify us in written format before the event. I have read, understood and agreed with the above terms and conditions.
Disclaimer The personal data collected will be used by Department of Philosophy (PHI) and authorised personnel for processing the captioned purposes in accordance with relevant provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.