Prisoner's Dilemma: John von Neumann, Game Theory, and the Puzzle of the Bomb

I do not have enough words of praise for this book. It so masterfully weaves together numerous areas of human interest. Who knew that game theory could be applied so broadly?The book is centered largely around the use of game theory during the cold war, and the life of John Von Neuman, but makes numerous other connections. For example, the parallel to the economic dilemma of "the Free Rider Problem" is discussed. Cooperation, as an evolutionary necessity, is talked about. The psychology of decision making is a focus. Most interesting was the connection that different styles of playing has to ones political views.I found myself pausing every few pages to absorb and integrate what was written into my world view. This is not a book that merely entertains -- it is a book that influences.

The book intertwines three totally different subjects and to a degree that works well.The book's take on historic cold war events is superficial. However, the discussion is more than simply the backdrop discussion. One gets some strange insights into the thinking of many who shaped the world. However, as with the other subjects, one is left wanting more.The focus on Van Neumann often appears needless. One is never clear, despite heavy assertions, why he should be considered a cut above the rest of the great innovators in the game theory field the way Einstein is in the field of relativity. This is not to doubt Van Neumann's leading role or superiority but the book somehow never substantiates enough despite amusing anecdotes and many tales involving him.On the key game theories, the book excels. For those more interested, the treatment would appear superficial. But few who are not experts won't walk away with some amazing insights. The real life connections are good. And the treatment is neither too simplistic nor excessively technical.For anyone uninitiated on the subject, the book is a great start despite all the imperfections.

Good explanation for game theory

This book serves as a great little introduction to "game theory" and it's applications to ethics, strategy, computer programming, and social behavior. Very short, but well written and engaging, without a lot of jargon. Discusses at length the biographies and contributions of Nash, Von Neumann, and Edward Teller in the development of this important modern discipline. Read this book and you will never look at the world around you and your social interactions in quite the same way.

Fairly readable book with a lot of background information. Not exactly what I expected. It outlines all sort of games and their histories but focusing more on the histories. Also talks about how the game situation shows up in different places. If you are interested in trivia around J. von Neumann and others, this book is for you. If you want to get an idea of what game theory is about without ANY math, this might be okay. But not the book to learn anything substantial about game theory. I guess thats the purpose, its just not my expectation.

This is a clear and well-written history of the origins of modern game theory. It's central figure is John Von Neumann, but many of the 20th century's most important thinkers pop up in the process. This was an excellent introduction for the layman, such as myself, interested in game theory analysis of the dilemmas posed by strategic decisions that must be made in the face of incomplete information. Whether it provides useful in everyday life is questionable, but it is an enjoyable romp nonetheless.

The essay is very rich of information about the prisoner's dilemma. This game is similar to other typical evens of the Greek logics.But this reconstruction is very large, in fact the first applications are by von Neumann in relation to the militar context.The resolution of this game found easy applications in the II world war.Next, we observe particularly the Axerold contribute, who tried an algorithm for the solution, without particular subcess.The game model is standard, but we can apply a recursive action for having several steps.

Excellent book. Well written and very interesting intro to Game Theory, its genesis and how it applies to realms as diverse as economics, biology and the Cold War. Learning about John von Neumann and a few of the Game Theory creators was as entertaining as it was insightful.