Bill Clinton talks game theory

I recently finished the book Nonzero by Robert Wright. The book was very informative and suggests cultural evolution has an arrow towards larger positive sum interactions.

It turns out the book is a favorite of former President Bill Clinton. The book’s website led me to a talk by Clinton where he praises and gives a great introduction to the book.

Clinton talks a bit about game theory in the first couple of minutes and I thought it would be fun to share his remarks:

Youtube video: Bill Clinton talks about Non-Zero

Here’s a quote from the talk:

In game theory a zero-sum game is like a presidential election or the NBA finals. In order for one side to win, somebody else has to lose. A non-zero sum game is a peace process. In order for one side to win, the other side has to win. Both have to win.

(You will notice this is slightly wrong. In a non-zero sum game, one side can win and other other can lose, the classic example being the dominant strategy of the Prisoner’s dilemma. A non-zero sum game is one where the total payoffs are either positive or negative–there is an asymmetry that one side can gain a different amount than the other loses, or that both sides can lose, or that both sides can win)



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  • http://www.propertymanagementmedfordoregon.com Patrick Rogers

    Interdependence and the non-zero sum theory, idealistically is a great idea. Sure who wouldn’t want it? He said himself that we have to strip ourselves down to the basic elements of humans that we are and come to an understanding (or something of the like) to make it through these times and the crisis at hand.

    Realistically, this is not practical with respect to the deep seated religious content in the middle east. It is ingrained and irreversible.

    While I agree with the notion, in relation to world politics I think we can attempt all day long, but when the other side of the “game” is irrational and will not have the same goals in mind.

  • http://www.instantinternetlifestylepreview.com Lee

    This is quite interesting. I’ve never read the book Nonzero by Wright, but I’m glad you brought it to my intention. I agree with Patrick, when the other side is irrational it’s a whole new ball game. I’ll be sure to return after reading the book.

  • http://dartsdigest.com/ Crafty Cockney

    Well we do have to cut him a bit of slack on this one after all he was only just a president and that job is more about popularity contests than high acumen.

  • http://www.onlystealthbats.com Art

    I’m glad you clarified the non-zero sum game. Of course both sides can lose, just like the dominant philosophy of mutually assured destruction during the cold war would have produced both losers if it had happened.
    But not everything in life can be a non-zero sum game, unless resources are infinite, which they aren’t.

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