## PHIL 181: Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature with Prof. Tamar Gendler

### Lecture 20 - The Prisoner's Dilemma [March 31, 2011] | << previous session | next session >>

### Overview:

Two game theoretical problems--the Prisoner’s Dilemma and the Problem of the Commons--are explored in detail. Both collective decision-making scenarios are structured such that all parties making rational choices ensures a less desired outcome for each than if each had chosen individually-less-preferred options. To conclude, Professor Gendler discusses various strategies that can be used to address both problems.

### Reading assignment:

Shepsle, Analyzing Politics: Rationality, Behavior and Institutions, pp. 198-218, 288-296

Play Prisoner's Dilemma online game

Hardin, “The Tragedy of the Commons”

Dixit, Thinking Strategically, pp. 11-14, 89-118

### Resources:

Reading Guide 20 [PDF]

Directed Exercise 7 [PDF]

Credit List [PDF]

Prisoner's Dilemma online game

### Transcript

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### Course Media

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