Prisoner's Dilemma
by William Poundstone
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Book Summary Information
Author: William PoundstoneEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1993-01-01
ISBN: 038541580X
Number of pages: 294
Publisher: Anchor
Book Reviews of Prisoner's Dilemma
Book Review: A game we all play...
Summary: 5 Stars
So often, truly illuminating discussion of a thing involves an examination of its polarities.
And so, our understanding of physics is enlightened by the interplay between quantum physics and Einsteinian physics, our knowledge of reproduction is enhanced by an exploration of the similarities and differences in the masculine and feminine, our awareness of attraction is enhanced by comprehending the contrast between love and hate and then again indifference.
In this way, in this well written book, Poundstone explores the theoretical side of religion's "golden rule."
As stated by Christ, Hillel, Mohammed, Confucius, Buddha and the holy tractates of Hinduism, Taoism and Shintu, the "golden rule" asks that we not treat others as we ourselves would not wish to be treated. In this way, the "wheel" invented so many times in religious prehistory was again invented by mathematical theoreticians in their off time from inventing hydrogren and nuclear bombs around World War II.
However, in the mathematicians version, the golden rule is reduced to its polarities: the tension between those who co-operate and thereby advance the collective good and those who defect and thereby service their selfish interests. To be sure, people dying for their country, honestly paying all their taxes due and the like all advance societal interests, but how in the end is it that these people are not taken advantage of by those who stay home, retain their taxes for their own private good and the like?
It turns out, according to game theorists that collective good becomes so potent because in the end it is personal good. While one certainly sacrifices in the short run one receives greater benefit by being part of an effective social organization.
And in this way, ultimately the story of game theory takes us on that most fascinating of journeys, to the heart of the golden rule and in that way, to the heart of man's search for meaning itself.
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