Moral Calculations: Game Theory, Logic, and Human Frailty (1998)

Is there such a thing as rational behavior, and if so, how do we use it to our advantage? Hungarian mathematician Laszlo Mero introduces us to the basics of John von Neumann's game theory and shows how it illuminates such aspects of human psychology as altruism, competition, and politics. Mero covers such concepts as zero-sum games; Prisoner's Dilemma; the game of Chicken (played with cars in "Rebel Without a Cause), where logic proves that the rational strategy is to be irrational; how to be kind to your love through game theory; and when the Golden Rule works and when it leads to disaster. He also shows how game theory is applicable to fields ranging from physics to evolutionary biology, and explores the role of rational thinking in the context of real-life situations ranging from doorway etiquette to the nuclear arms race.