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Prisoner’s Dilemma

Definition

The prisoner's dilemma refers to a hypothetical scenario where two individuals are arrested and charged with a crime. They have the option either to betray each other for their own benefit or remain silent. The dilemma arises from understanding that while each individual benefits from mutual cooperation, it’s tempting and potentially more beneficial individually to betray the other.

Analogy

Imagine you and your sibling both want the last piece of cake. You could split it (cooperate), but you'd really prefer having it all yourself (betray). However, if you both decide not to share (both betray), your parents might get upset and take away dessert entirely!

Related terms

Game Theory: A theoretical framework for conceiving social situations among competing players. In some respects, game theory is the science of strategy.

Nash Equilibrium: It's a concept of game theory where the optimal outcome of a game is one where no player has an incentive to deviate from their chosen strategy after considering an opponent's choice.

Cooperation: The process of groups of organisms working or acting together for common, mutual, or some underlying benefit.