Rock, Paper, Scissors

Games People Play

Game theory explains many of life’s mysteries and provides a way to understand everything from domestic squabbles to military confrontations. Game theory is based on more than competition. In fact, cooperation may be the ideal response in some games. Individuals, groups and entire nations can sidestep some traps in game theory by getting along instead of allowing destructive competition to intensify.

One of the most famous destructive patterns in game theory is known as “the Tragedy of the Commons.” Game theorist Garrett Hardin publicized this pattern in 1968, using the example of grazing land that several livestock herders share. Each herder can make a little extra profit by allowing one more animal to graze. But if all of the herders do so, overgrazing will ensue and the land will turn barren. The Tragedy of the Commons also explains why spoons may disappear from a company’s coffee break room. Each employee who takes a spoon from the break room gains some convenience at no cost. But, of course, when every person takes a spoon, none remain. This theory also sheds light on such serious issues as international conflicts over global warming. Each country...