Game Theory: Understanding the Mathematics of Life

Brian Clegg was fascinated by Isaac Asimov's classic Foundation series of books, which predicted the future using mathematical modeling of human psychology and behavior. He later realized that game theory had a real-world equivalent, originating in the study of probabilistic gambling games and applied to human interactions. Clegg delves into game theory's colorful history and significant findings, showing what we can learn from this oft-misunderstood field of study.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Icon Books

Brian Clegg's fascination with Isaac Asimov's classic Foundation series of books, which delves into the future by using sophisticated mathematical modelling of human psychology and behaviour, was a lifelong pursuit. However, it wasn't until much later that he discovered the real-world counterpart of Asimov's psychohistory: game theory.

Game theory, which originated in the study of probabilistic gambling games that rely on a random source, such as the throw of a dice or the toss of a coin, quickly spread to human interactions. It essentially asked: what is the best strategy to win, regardless of the activity?

These mathematical techniques have been applied to various fields, including economics, evolution, and even questions about winning a nuclear war. Clegg delves into the colourful history and significant findings of game theory, highlighting what we can all learn from this often-misunderstood field of study.

In conclusion, game theory is a fascinating and interdisciplinary field that has shed light on many aspects of human behaviour and decision-making. Its applications range from economics to evolutionary biology, and its insights can help us better understand the world around us. By exploring the history and applications of game theory, Brian Clegg's book provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this complex and important field.

Weight: 157g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785788321