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Game Theory Basics: The Prisoner’s Dilemma

Begin your study of game theory by considering the difference between a decision and a game. Then look at two key concepts, dominant strategy and the Nash equilibrium—the latter named for mathematician John F. Nash, profiled in the movie A Beautiful Mind. Use these ideas to interpret the notorious prisoner’s dilemma, where two rational individuals with strong incentives to cooperate choose not to.

English
  • Originally Aired March 1, 2021
  • Runtime 30 minutes
  • Network The Great Courses
  • Notes Is the series finale
  • Created March 13, 2023 by
    Mandarin7584
  • Modified July 24, 2025 by
    spherular