#infallible

This is mostly because, once you’re informed of the thought experiment and asked to make a choice, it presents active variables that, short of a hypothetical magic force manipulating your actions, should make it possible for you to act contrary to their prediction.

This is especially true if you can reason what the prediction would be, and can simply do the opposite.

In response, one can oh-so-cleverly claim the infallible being would have seen that coming, and you inevitably do what it predicted, and any conditions set based on what it predicted were met. It doesn’t matter that new variables keep getting added after the prediction being made because the being also foresaw, and accounted for, how telling you things would affect the outcome (which is arguably arguing that the “infallible being” is actively manipulating you to get their predicted outcome).

At that point, I don’t feel like I’m doing a thought experiment. I feel like I’m playing pretend on a playground, and the other kid’s claimed to have an everything-proof vest.

There might be a broader philosophical point about free will, and a hypothetical lack thereof, being made, but it being wrapped in a thought experiment that becomes overshadowed by its presence is weird to me. We could just discuss free will.

Incidentally, I see it thus: If free will doesn’t exist, it doesn’t change anything about what I do. I’ll just do whatever automation dictates. If free will does exist, then it hugely matters what I do as I bear at least some level of responsibility for all my actions.

Therefore, I should proceed under the assumption that free will does exist. If I’m wrong, it doesn’t matter. If I’m right, it hugely matters. The floor is I care about it, and the ceiling is an omnipotent being(s) judging our actions. I’m proceeding under an assumption of free will, darn it.

Some of my Good Omens sketches!! 🐍🪽

(Inspired by Pins I saw on Pinterest)

https://quranx.com/16.103

And We certainly know that they say, "It is only a human being who teaches the Prophet." The tongue of the one they refer to is foreign, and this Qur'an is [in] a clear Arabic language.

https://quranx.com/11.1

Alif, Lam, Ra. [This is] a Book whose verses are perfected and then presented in detail from [one who is] Wise and Acquainted.

https://quranx.com/2.2-4

This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah -

Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them,

And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].

https://quranx.com/3.7

It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say, "We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord." And no one will be reminded except those of understanding.

Bonus: Allah is the best deceiver.

https://quranx.com/3.54

And the disbelievers deceived, but Allah deceived. And Allah is the best of deceivers.

https://quranx.com/8.30