I have recently come across several references to this (Prisoner's Dilemma) and I'm finding it fascinating. Even my daughter mentioned it (by a differnet name) in regards to a college Sociology class -- she won a $10 prize by "doing the obvious" and defecting -- she couldn't understand why the other members of the class didn't come to the same conclusion!
If you don't know what I'm talking about, please see
Prisoner's dilemma (Wikipedia)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoner%27s_DilemmaThe "iterated prisoner's dilemma" is the interesting variation.
It is discussed extensively in "The Selfish Gene" by Richard Dawkins. It shows how an equilibrium can be (often must be) reached -- "unselfish" cooperation ends up being the stable thing to do, even when every participant is only out for his own greed.
The "PD" also came up in an SF series I read by Kim Stanley Robinson ("Forty Signs of Rain," et. al). It applies PD to social contexts and uses the term "to defect" -- meaning to not cooperate -- in a way that is being seen more and more often in common vernacular.
It was also mentioned in an episode o the TV show "Numb3rs."
I thought it might be interesting to discuss this, partly because of the novely to being able to cross post in these three areas...
Philosophy and Religion -- cooperation is a key philosophical concept; evolution
Puzzle and Riddles -- PD is game theory
Math & Science -- Related scientific concepts such as "Nash Equilibrium" cellular automata, etc.
Some discussion points:
* Have you ever run across the idea of the PD in common media -- your
reading, TV shows, whatever?
* The idea's been around for a while: Did you study it in college?
* Name some practical uses for the "esoteric" game-theory concept
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