Evolutionary Game Theory Lecture Notes

Introduction to Game Theory

• Definition: Game theory is used to predict decision-making behaviors in strategic situations.
• Common Contexts: Typically discussed in social sciences or economics.
• Everyday Behavior: Applicable to everyday behaviors like playing board games.

Board Game Example

• Players make decisions (e.g., placing settlements in Settlers of Catan).
• Outcomes affect all players, not just the decision-maker.
• Game theory analyzes individual strategies and interactions.

Game Theory and Evolution

• Evolutionary Theory: Best-fit individuals survive and pass on genes.
• Reproduction: Necessitates interaction with others.
• Environment: Includes both physical and social aspects.
  • Cooperating for food, predator defense, raising young.
• Fitness: Involves aligning individual behavior with group behavior.

Evolutionary Game Theory

• Life as a Game: Strategies for resource availability and social interaction.
• Individual Strategies: Dependent on group behaviors.
• Difference from General Game Theory:
  • General: Involves intention and reasoning.
  • Evolutionary: May not involve conscious intention.

Predictive Power

• Predicts evolutionary stable strategies.
• Example: Altruism in monkeys.
  • Selfish Strategy: Individual hides from predators without warning others.
    • Seems beneficial but can reduce overall group fitness.
  • Altruistic Strategy: Giving alarm calls at own risk.
    • Increases survival of the entire group.
    • Enhances fitness of the community, promoting survival and reproduction of kin.
• Conclusion: Altruism enhances group success, aligning with evolutionary game theory predictions.