Game Theory Evolving: A Problem-Centered Introduction to Modeling Strategic Interaction - Second Edition

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Princeton University Press, Jan 26, 2009 - Business & Economics - 408 pages

Since its original publication in 2000, Game Theory Evolving has been considered the best textbook on evolutionary game theory. This completely revised and updated second edition of Game Theory Evolving contains new material and shows students how to apply game theory to model human behavior in ways that reflect the special nature of sociality and individuality. The textbook continues its in-depth look at cooperation in teams, agent-based simulations, experimental economics, the evolution and diffusion of preferences, and the connection between biology and economics.


Recognizing that students learn by doing, the textbook introduces principles through practice. Herbert Gintis exposes students to the techniques and applications of game theory through a wealth of sophisticated and surprisingly fun-to-solve problems involving human and animal behavior. The second edition includes solutions to the problems presented and information related to agent-based modeling. In addition, the textbook incorporates instruction in using mathematical software to solve complex problems. Game Theory Evolving is perfect for graduate and upper-level undergraduate economics students, and is a terrific introduction for ambitious do-it-yourselfers throughout the behavioral sciences.


  • Revised and updated edition relevant for courses across disciplines

  • Perfect for graduate and upper-level undergraduate economics courses

  • Solutions to problems presented throughout

  • Incorporates instruction in using computational software for complex problem solving

  • Includes in-depth discussions of agent-based modeling

 

Contents

1 Probability Theory
1
2 Bayesian Decision Theory
18
Basic Concepts
32
4 Eliminating Dominated Strategies
52
5 PureStrategy Nash Equilibria
80
6 MixedStrategy Nash Equilibria
116
7 PrincipalAgent Models
162
8 Signaling Games
179
11 Dynamical Systems
247
12 Evolutionary Dynamics
270
13 Markov Economies and Stochastic Dynamical Systems
297
14 Table of Symbols
319
15 Answers
321
Sources for Problems
373
References
375
Index
385

9 Repeated Games
201
10 Evolutionarily Stable Strategies
229

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About the author (2009)

Herbert Gintis holds faculty positions at the Santa Fe Institute, Central European University, and University of Siena. He has coedited numerous books, including Moral Sentiments and Material Interests, Unequal Chances (Princeton), and Foundations of Human Sociality.

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