The Calculus of Selfishness (Princeton Series in Theoretical and Computational Biology, 6)

Sigmund, Karl

ISBN 10: 0691142750 / ISBN 13: 9780691142753

Published by Princeton University Press, 2010

About this Item

Fine condition hardcover book, no dust jacket. Slightest shelf wear to covers. All of our books are individually inspected and described. Never X-library unless specifically described as such.

Seller Inventory # 2401-7288

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Calculus of Selfishness (Princeton Series in Theoretical and Computational Biology, 6)
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691142750
• ISBN 13: 9780691142753
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket

About this title

Synopsis

A pioneer in evolutionary game theory looks at selfishness and cooperation

How does cooperation emerge among selfish individuals? When do people share resources, punish those they consider unfair, and engage in joint enterprises? These questions fascinate philosophers, biologists, and economists alike, for the "invisible hand" that should turn selfish efforts into public benefit is not always at work. The Calculus of Selfishness looks at social dilemmas where cooperative motivations are subverted and self-interest becomes self-defeating. Karl Sigmund, a pioneer in evolutionary game theory, uses simple and well-known game theory models to examine the foundations of collective action and the effects of reciprocity and reputation.

Focusing on some of the best-known social and economic experiments, including games such as the Prisoner's Dilemma, Trust, Ultimatum, Snowdrift, and Public Good, Sigmund explores the conditions leading to cooperative strategies. His approach is based on evolutionary game dynamics, applied to deterministic and probabilistic models of economic interactions.

Exploring basic strategic interactions among individuals guided by self-interest and caught in social traps, The Calculus of Selfishness analyzes to what extent one key facet of human nature―selfishness―can lead to cooperation.

About the Author

Karl Sigmund is professor of mathematics at the University of Vienna. He is the author of Games of Life (Penguin), coauthor of Evolutionary Games and Population Dynamics, and a contributor to Nature and Science.