Insights into Game Theory: An Alternative Mathematical Experience

by Ein-Ya Gura, Michael Maschler

Overview

Few branches of mathematics have been more influential in the social sciences than game theory. In recent years, it has become an essential tool for all social scientists studying the strategic behaviour of competing individuals, firms and countries. However, the mathematical complexity of game theory is often very intimidating for students who have only a basic understanding of mathematics. Insights into Game Theory addresses this problem by providing students with an understanding of the key concepts and ideas of game theory without using formal mathematical notation. The authors use four very different topics (college admission, social justice and majority voting, coalitions and co-operative games, and a bankruptcy problem from the Talmud) to investigate four areas of game theory. The result is a fascinating introduction to the world of game theory and its increasingly important role in the social sciences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521696920
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/13/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Ein-Ya Gura is Senior Lecturer in the Rothberg International School and a member of the Center for the Study of Rationality at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Michael B. Maschler is Professor of Mathematics and a member of the Center for the Study of Rationality at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Professor Maschler is one of the most distinguished game theorists in the world. With Robert Aumann (co-winner of the 2005 Nobel Prize for Economics), he solved a 2000-year-old puzzle on inheritance laws in the Talmud.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Mathematical matching; 2. Social justice; 3. The Shapley value in cooperative games; 4. Analysis of a bankruptcy problem from the Talmud; Answers to the exercises; Index.

Editorial Reviews

This beautiful textbook adds a new tool to the ‘mathematical toolbox’ that is game theory: to be used in the treatment of a ‘fear of mathematics.’ Starting with interesting real-life questions, it provides the reader with an excellent training in mathematical thinking and reasoning, without her or him even noticing it. It is a remarkable achievement in mathematics teaching, empirically tested in classrooms by the authors.”
Shmuel Zamir, Professor, Center for the Study of Rationality, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

“I wish I could have read this book when I was in high school. It is a marvelous introduction to some topics in game theory for the mathematically inclined reader that does not require extensive mathematical training. The topics are interesting and engage the reader. The presentation allows the reader to work through the logic of the arguments and see how they could be extended beyond the examples in the book.” -
James D. Morrow, Professor of Political Science and Research Professor at the Center for Political Studies, University of Michigan

“Game theory is becoming a major framework for analyzing competition and cooperation in the social sciences. Gura and Maschler’s book provides a wonderful perspective on the utility of game theory in social sciences by analyzing problems of justice, matching and more. The analysis is presented in a very appealing way so that every student can understand it. This unique book is an excellent addition to the literature on game theory.”
Zur Shapira, William Berkley Professor of Entrepreneurship and Professor of Management, Stern School of Business, New York University

"The authors' approach to presenting material is exactly right. The book will help students make the first step into studying mathematical analysis of strategic behavior. An important addition to the literature on game theory."
J. Brzezinski, DePaul University for Choice Magazine

From the Publisher