Ideas of William Poundstone, by Theme

[American, fl. 1980, ]

green numbers give full details    |    back to list of philosophers    |     expand these ideas
23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 1. Contractarianism
Self-interest can fairly divide a cake; first person cuts, second person chooses
23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 6. Game Theory
Formal game theory is about maximising or minimising numbers in tables
The minimax theorem says a perfect game of opposed people always has a rational solution
23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 7. Prisoner's Dilemma
The tragedy in prisoner's dilemma is when two 'nice' players misread each other
Two prisoners get the best result by being loyal, not by selfish betrayal
23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 8. Contract Strategies
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - or else!
TIT FOR TAT says cooperate at first, then do what the other player does