The Prisoner's Dilemma

The video discusses the prisoner's dilemma, a scenario in game theory where two accomplices must decide whether to betray each other or stay silent. Mathematician John Nash introduced the concept of Nash equilibrium, where both parties make decisions that are optimal for themselves but not necessarily for the group. This theory is applied to the Cold War, illustrating how the U.S. and Soviet Union continued to build nuclear weapons despite the optimal outcome being disarmament. The Nash equilibrium explains why both sides acted in their own interest, leading to an arms race rather than cooperation.

In the prisoner's dilemma, what happens if both accomplices choose to stay silent?

• One is freed, and the other receives a harsh sentence.

• They both receive medium sentences.

• They both receive short sentences.

• They both receive long sentences.

According to John Nash, what is the rational decision for a prisoner in the dilemma?

• To escape from prison.

• To cooperate with the accomplice.

• To stay silent and hope for the best.

• To betray the accomplice.

What is the Nash equilibrium in the context of the prisoner's dilemma?

• Both prisoners staying silent.

• Both prisoners escaping.

• One prisoner betraying while the other stays silent.

• Both prisoners betraying each other.

How did Nash's idea help explain the Cold War nuclear arms race?

• It showed that disarmament was the best strategy.

• It explained why both sides continued to build nuclear weapons.

• It suggested that one side should have attacked first.

• It proposed that both sides should have cooperated fully.

What was the optimal result for the planet during the Cold War according to Nash's theory?

• Continued arms race.

• Nuclear disarmament.

• A surprise attack.

• Building more nuclear weapons.