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The Mathematical Theory of Games Sheds Light On A Wide Range of Competitive Activities
What do chess-playing computer programs, biological evolution, competitive sports, gambling, alternative voting systems, public auctions, corporate globalization, and class warfare have in common? All are manifestations of a new paradigm in scientific thinking, which James Case calls "the emerging science of competition." Drawing in part on the pioneering work of mathematicians such as John von Neumann, John Nash (of A Beautiful Mind fame), and Robert Axelrod, Case explores the common game-theoretical strands that tie these seemingly unrelated fields together, showing how each can be better understood in the shared light of the others. Not since James Gleick's bestselling book Chaos brought widespread public attention to the new sciences of chaos and complexity has a general-interest science book served such an eye-opening purpose. Competition will appeal to a wide range of readers, from policy wonks and futurologists to former jocks and other ordinary citizens seeking to make sense of a host of novel-and frequently controversial-issues.
What do chess-playing computer programs, biological evolution, competitive sports, gambling, alternative voting systems, public auctions, corporate globalization, and class warfare have in common? All are manifestations of a new paradigm in scientific thinking, which James Case calls "the emerging science of competition." Drawing in part on the pioneering work of mathematicians such as John von Neumann, John Nash (of A Beautiful Mind fame), and Robert Axelrod, Case explores the common game-theoretical strands that tie these seemingly unrelated fields together, showing how each can be better understood in the shared light of the others. Not since James Gleick's bestselling book Chaos brought widespread public attention to the new sciences of chaos and complexity has a general-interest science book served such an eye-opening purpose. Competition will appeal to a wide range of readers, from policy wonks and futurologists to former jocks and other ordinary citizens seeking to make sense of a host of novel-and frequently controversial-issues.
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Reviews
"James Case strikes at the heart of modern neoclassical analysis with this penetrating exploration of the reigning orthodoxy and the alternatives we need to consider. The implications for economic thought are startling. The implications for economic policy are stunning."
Louis Galambos, professor of history, Johns Hopkins University
"James Case demonstrates convincingly that competition does not quite function the way we were told in courses on the principles of economics. This book is a great read for anyone who wants to know how modern experimental economics and game theory can be used to call into question the dogma of mainstream economics."
Marc Lavoie, Department of Economics, University of Ottawa
"This is a superb introduction to the science of competition, whose roots lie in game theory. James Case's book offers sophisticated insights into its historical origins, its mathematical foundations, and its applications, from chess to sports to elections to war. He shows particularly how strategic choices in business and economics are much better understood in terms of game-theoretic ideas tha
Steven J. Brams, Department of Politics, New York University