I don't have the answer myself, I just got this paradox from
somewhere else and it sets me thinking, but knowing someone could
be smarter around here, I post it here and see what comments people
have, and you do have valid points.
And then I got another question while at it. 2 guys were chatting
and then suddenly 1 very rich man came over and hand each of them 1
envelope, each containing a check of a certain amount. Then he
said, 1 of this envelope contains a check with an amount twice of
the other envelope, but since you won't know which contains the
higher amount, assuming you can take out and see how much your
check has, say $100000, and have the option to trade it, will you
do so?
Knowing the probabilities, this man thinks to himself, well, if I
trade, I lose half the money ($50000), if I win I get twice the
money ($200000). That means he is betting half of the money for
twice the money, that is the chance of losing $50000 for winning
the $200000. Is there anything wrong with his thinking?
This question also taken from a book I read, so don't ask me for
the solution, I don't have it. I just want to know if anyone, or a
mathematician can help around here.
