[extropy-chat] Harvey's wager

[Emlyn O'regan]

Not so quick, Brett. The fact that that singularitarian gets to "hold" the
money is the only reason the bet is useful to him/her. That's Harvey's
subtle modification to make the bet worthwhile, and stop it being a straight
bet on the end of the world*.

Emlyn
(* - well, perhaps the end of money, for example, which is functionally
equivalent when betting with money)

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brett Paatsch [mailto:bpaatsch at bigpond.net.au]
> Sent: Thursday, 20 November 2003 11:12 AM
> To: ExI chat list
> Subject: Re: [extropy-chat] Harvey's wager
> 
> 
> Rick wrote:
> 
> > >Oh ye of little imagination.
> > 
> > >
> > How about this scenario:  I immediately pay a large sum
> > to the singularitian.  The day after the predicted singularity date,
> > they pay me back my money plus a large sum of their own.
> > />
> > 
> > I'll take that. I say it will be in exactly 87 years, and 310 days. 
> > And I  wager your one million US dollars on it.
> 
> I am a little surprised that no one has stepped forward to offer 
> to hold the money in safe keeping on this yet.  I noticed Emlyn
> wanted cash directed or a cheque but that's possibly because
> he's Australian and either can't see a lot of need for extra 
> middlemen or has grown tired of over-"servicing" by them.
> 
> I'm Australian too, but I will reluctantly put aside my distaste for
> middlemen who add no value to hold the cash for Harvey or
> anyone else inclined to the same bet. I won't charge interest or
> anything like that - I'll hold the money at no cost - but just
> remember that you owe me a favour ;-)
> 
> Regards,
> Brett  
> [Ps: Don't tell Robin about this though he probably wouldn't
>  "understand" ;-)  ]
> 
> 
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