Game for Survival: A Game Theory Interpretation of Social Phenomena

Author: Pan Tianqun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-05-01
Features: This book attempts to interpret human social action or collective action using game theory—here, social action or collective action refers to interactive groups. Readers will discover that the actions of human society, originally complex, become more understandable, and will uncover some underlying principles. This book explains social phenomena, and its methods, theories, and examples are largely drawn from economics, yet it is not solely about economics. If it were purely economics, it would need to use well-established economic theories to explain and analyze specific subjects, discussing concepts and principles such as "supply," "demand," "price," "utility," "marginal," and so on. Otherwise, it would be irresponsible to readers. This book strives to explain various social phenomena using scientific methods. Of course, economics is also a science, but it has already formed fixed research frameworks. Here, we simply aim to reveal what lies behind many phenomena. In some places, the book is "philosophical," and in others, "logical." What I want to say is that the social phenomena we observe are underpinned by profound "scientific" truths—I believe these phenomena are driven by rationality and logic. If this book can inspire readers, I will be satisfied. As long as readers feel they have gained more than the cost of the book, my conscience will be at ease, because I hope that writing this book and readers purchasing it is a "cooperative game," rather than a "non-cooperative game."