Critical Game Theory: Humanistic and Radical Alternatives to the Mainstream

Mainstream game theory assumes that actors act according to a single, consistent utility function, but empirical studies suggest that this assumption is too simple. This book introduces an evolutionary, or Evo, model in which actors are controlled by diverse, inconsistent forces, allowing for the creation of critical game theory models that can help to attain new insights into nature, human nature, human institutions, and human behavior. Part I analyzes the Prisoners Dilemma using a literary, or Lit, model, which includes entropic, or Entro, masochistic and sadistic drives as well as altruistic and egoistic ones. Part II suggests that the Lit model opens the door to a "where Entro is, let Evo be" critical perspective on politics. Part III considers how core stories in mainstream game theory can be usefully supplemented and deepened by critical models, and reflects on possible futures for critical game theory. The vision of critical game theory advanced in the book will be of significant interest to researchers in an array of theoretical and applied disciplines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The models in mainstream game theory often assume that actors act based on a single, consistent utility function, a notion that empirical studies, common sense, and humanistic wisdom suggest is overly simplistic. This book takes a different approach by assuming that actors are controlled by diverse, inconsistent forces, leading to the development of critical game theory models that can offer new insights into various aspects of nature, human nature, human institutions, and human behavior.

The book begins with an evolutionary, or Evo, model, where players have concerns for other players as well as egoistic interests. In Part I, the Prisoners Dilemma is analyzed using a literary, or Lit, model, where players possess entropic, or Entro, masochistic and sadistic drives, as well as altruistic and egoistic ones. Part II proposes that the Lit model provides a critical perspective on politics, where the entropic drives are emphasized. Part III explores how critical models can supplement and deepen the core concepts of mainstream game theory, and Part IV reflects on the potential futures of critical game theory. The discussion of games and subgames incorporates poems and matrices to present the complex, simultaneously humanistic and scientific qualities of critical game theory.

The vision of critical game theory presented in this book holds significant interest for researchers across a wide range of theoretical and applied disciplines, including literature, psychology, political science, economics, computer science, ethics, business ethics, law, and law and economics. By challenging the traditional assumptions and introducing greater complexity, critical game theory offers a fresh perspective on human behavior and interactions, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shape our world.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032326115