Prisoner's Dilemma: John von Neumann, Game Theory, and the Puzzle of the Bomb

Name: Prisoner's Dilemma: John von Neumann, Game Theory, and the Puzzle of the Bomb
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Book Synopsis: A masterful work of science writing that's "both a fascinating biography of von Neumann, the Hungarian exile whose mathematical theories were building blocks for the A-bomb and the digital computer, and a brilliant social history of game theory and its role in the Cold War and nuclear arms race" (San Francisco Chronicle).

Should you watch public television without pledging?...Exceed the posted speed limit?...Hop a subway turnstile without paying? These questions illustrate the so-called "prisoner's dilemma", a social puzzle that we all face every day. Though the answers may seem simple, their profound implications make the prisoner's dilemma one of the great unifying concepts of science. Watching players bluff in a poker game inspired John von Neumann—father of the modern computer and one of the sharpest minds of the century—to construct game theory, a mathematical study of conflict and deception.

Game theory was readily embraced at the RAND Corporation, the archetypical think tank charged with formulating military strategy for the atomic age, and in 1950 two RAND scientists made a momentous discovery. Called the "prisoner's dilemma," it is a disturbing and mind-bending game where two or more people may betray the common good for individual gain. Introduced shortly after the Soviet Union acquired the atomic bomb, the prisoner's dilemma quickly became a popular allegory of the nuclear arms race. Intellectuals such as von Neumann and Bertrand Russell joined military and political leaders in rallying to the "preventive war" movement, which advocated a nuclear first strike against the Soviet Union.

Though the Truman administration rejected preventive war the United States entered into an arms race with the Soviets and game theory developed into a controversial tool of public policy—alternately accused of justifying arms races and touted as the only hope of preventing them. Prisoner's Dilemma is the incisive story of a revolutionary idea that has been hailed as a landmark of twentieth-century thought.

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Unlock the secrets behind one of the greatest unifying concepts of science with "Prisoner's Dilemma: John von Neumann, Game Theory, and the Puzzle of the Bomb". Delve into the captivating biography of John von Neumann, the mathematical genius whose theories paved the way for the atomic bomb and the digital computer. Immerse yourself in the enthralling world of game theory and its pivotal role in the Cold War and nuclear arms race. This masterful work of science writing is not to be missed.

Discover the power and implications of the prisoner's dilemma, a social puzzle that we all encounter in our daily lives. Explore thought-provoking questions like whether to watch public television without pledging or exceed the posted speed limit. Through von Neumann's incredible insight and inspiration from bluffing in a poker game, game theory was born. This mathematical study of conflict and deception quickly gained traction at the RAND Corporation, the renowned think tank tasked with formulating military strategy for the atomic age.

Uncover the truth behind the prisoner's dilemma, a mind-bending game that challenges individuals to betray the common good for personal gain. Introduced during the height of the nuclear arms race, this compelling concept became an influential allegory. Intellectuals, including von Neumann himself and Bertrand Russell, joined forces with military and political leaders in advocating for a "preventive war" strategy. While the Truman administration ultimately rejected this approach, the United States plunged into an intense arms race with the Soviet Union.

Witness how game theory evolved into a controversial tool of public policy, both criticized for fuelling arms races and hailed as the only hope for their prevention. "Prisoner's Dilemma" unravels the fascinating story of this groundbreaking idea that has left an indelible mark on twentieth-century thought. Don't miss your chance to explore the intersections of mathematics, science, and history with this landmark book.

Experience the intellectual voyage of a lifetime - click here to order your copy of "Prisoner's Dilemma" now.

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