more from William Poundstone

Single Idea 22718

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 6. Game Theory]

Full Idea

At the most abstract level, game theory is about tables with numbers in them - numbers that entities are are efficiently acting to maximise or minimise.

Gist of Idea

Formal game theory is about maximising or minimising numbers in tables

Source

William Poundstone (Prisoner's Dilemma [1992], 03 'Curve')

Book Reference

Poundstone,William: 'Prisoner's Dilemma' [OUP 1992], p.61


A Reaction

A brilliant idea. The question is the extent to which real life conforms to the numberical tables. The assumption that everyone is entirely self-seeking is blatantly false. Numbers like money have diminishing marginal utility.