The Prisoner's Dilemma Explained in 2 Minutes

The Prisoner's Dilemma is the most famous problem in game theory. Here I give a quick introduction to the problem.

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[Frostbid]

Clear and concise. Best explanation of the topic I've ever stumbled upon!

[otoolifortunehaase]

One of the best explanations I've heard yet. Thanks.

[paulmailath]

great explanation! my cousin is an economics professor who specialises in game theory and now I have a much better idea of the concept

[charlidog]

You should consider that if you make me spend 4 years when we could have spent 1, when I get out I am going to find you and it won't be pretty.

[CandyLemon]

I'm deeply moved by this content. A similar book I read brought about a transformative shift in my life. "Game Theory and the Pursuit of Algorithmic Fairness" by Jack Frostwell

[MazyLoron]

I think this neglects to take into consideration prospect theory. People tend to be risk averse in the case of gains but risk seeking in the case of losses. So since this question is framed in terms of losses, I think in practice people would be more likely to take the riskier option of holding out on the chance that they would not lose as much. But maybe that's just if you adjust the problem so that there's not enough evidence for either of them to go to prison if neither confess but if one of them confesses they get a lesser penalty than the other. And then last place aversion is another consideration... So interesting!

[lorenzogumier]

So, in other words, the theoretical maximum individual benefit cannot be achieved because in the end none will obtain it (2 years each in Jail is the result). Instead, the real maximum individual benefit can be achieved but only by cooperating

[charliemcgrain]

It is a logical fallacy. As prisoner A cannot know what prisoner B (the group) will do, then prisoner A is unable to consider a 'group beneficial' decision. Given a choice between 4 years for remaining silent if B confesses, prisoner A would be foolish to remain silent and run the risk of inuring the highest penalty. People want to avoid 'the worst thing'.

[malayneum]

what is "hold out"? im not american.

[katzen]

That wheelchair looks really unstable.

[DawnshieId]

Holding out is good and confessing is evil.

[kyoulpe]

That's not true, because if my partner confess, I'll stab the shit out of him.
Therefore, it is never good for him to do so

[nurmahdina]

thanks a lot . its help me a lot in understanding political science . =)

[alliedatheistalliance]

I didn't expect a British rozzer there 😂

[redlightmax]

Here's my question: how could you convince the other prisoner not to confess? Whatever you say that you're gonna do, they're better off confessing.🤯

[witherblaze]

With these situations, 99% of pairs who won't see each other making the choice, will lose.

[aa-dkzm]

Or claim racial discrimination and police brutality to earn 1, 000, 000 dollars and no jail time..