Prisoner’s dilemma: Difference between revisions

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**A will serve a one year sentence (on the lesser charge).
**A will serve a one year sentence (on the lesser charge).
**B will serve a one year sentence (on the lesser charge).
**B will serve a one year sentence (on the lesser charge).
{| class="wikitable" align="right" cellpadding="15";  style="vertical-align:top; width: 30%; border: solid thin gray; background:white;"
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'''A Cooperates'''
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'''A Defects'''
|-
| {{top}}
'''B Cooperates'''
| {{top}}
2,2
| {{top}}
0,3
|-
| {{top}}
'''B Defects'''
| {{top}}
3,0
| {{top}}
1,1
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{{ref}}
{{draft}}

Revision as of 11:42, 23 July 2018

An exercise in calculating economic outcomes by means of metaphor.

Two people are arrested and charged with a conspiracy[1]. Each is held separately in solitary confinement. The two cannot communicate. The authorities have enough evidence to convict both on a lesser charge, but not the main charge. The authorities go to each prisoner separately and offer each the same bargain if she agrees to inform on her co-conspirator. The offer is:

  • If A informs B but B refuses to inform on A:
    • A will not be prosecuted on the lesser charge and will go free
    • B will be prosecuted on the main charge and serve a three year sentence
  • If A informs B and B informs on A:
    • A will serve a two year sentence
    • B will serve a two year sentence
  • If A refuses to inform on B and B refuses to inform on A:
    • A will serve a one year sentence (on the lesser charge).
    • B will serve a one year sentence (on the lesser charge).


A Cooperates

A Defects

B Cooperates

2,2

0,3

B Defects

3,0

1,1

References

  1. ↑ Whether or not they are guilty is beside the point. If it helps you empathise with their predicament, assume they’re innocent
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