Why do Internet, financial service, and beer commercials dominate Super Bowl advertising? How do political ceremonies establish authority? Why does repetition characterize anthems and ritual speech? Why were circular forms favored for public festivals during the French Revolution? This book answers these questions using a single concept: common knowledge.

Game theory shows that in order to coordinate its actions, a group of people must form "common knowledge." Each person wants to participate only if others also participate. Members must have knowledge of each other, knowledge of that knowledge, knowledge of the knowledge of that knowledge, and so on. Michael Chwe applies this insight, with striking erudition, to analyze a range of rituals across history and cultures. He shows that public ceremonies are powerful not simply because they transmit meaning from a central source to each audience member but because they let audience members know what other members know. For instance, people watching the Super Bowl know that many others are seeing precisely what they see and that those people know in turn that many others are also watching. This creates common knowledge, and advertisers selling products that depend on consensus are willing to pay large sums to gain access to it. Remarkably, a great variety of rituals and ceremonies, such as formal inaugurations, work in much the same way.

By using a rational-choice argument to explain diverse cultural practices, Chwe argues for a close reciprocal relationship between the perspectives of rationality and culture. He illustrates how game theory can be applied to an unexpectedly broad spectrum of problems, while showing in an admirably clear way what game theory might hold for scholars in the social sciences and humanities who are not yet acquainted with it.

In a new afterword, Chwe delves into new applications of common knowledge, both in the real world and in experiments, and considers how generating common knowledge has become easier in the digital age.

About the Author

Michael Suk-Young Chwe is Associate Professor of political science at the University of California, Los Angeles and author of Jane Austen, Game Theorist (Princeton).

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Originally started as an amateur venture, Seagull Books has grown into a knowledgable and reputable on-line book vendor. Our inventory is growing all the time, and we are constantly updating our stock with the latest finds. Whilst we do not currently offer a book tracing service, we are always happy to hear from customers looking for a particular title, and may just be able to help. We specialise in out-of-print books - particularly paperbacks - and never cease to be amazed at what is no longer considered worth publishing! Many of our customers clearly share that view.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Seagull Books
United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All orders will be dispatched within 1 working day of purchase, and often on the same day.

If the book(s) does not meet a customer's expectations then a full refund, including outgoing P&P, will be offered upon return of the item. The quality descriptions we use match those that are found on Amazon e.g. Like New, Very Good, Good and Acceptable. In most cases, we have also added more detailed comments ourselves about the condition of a particular book.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Order quantity	14 to 45 business days	7 to 15 business days
First item	US$ 15.40	US$ 15.40

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.