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Eric O'Donnell's avatar

Thanks Pen for another insightful meditation. I am barely acquainted with game theory, so cannot comment intelligently on that topic until I’ve read more. I do appreciate that you tackle the great human struggle for meaning in your pieces. For me life’s greatest meaning now is in watching my grandchildren as they grow. There’s always a tinge of fear for them but also I feel the privilege of watching their silliness, their innocence and their unspoiled love for life. Would that we could all remain children.

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Carol JLH's avatar

Pen, Thanks for the welcome. I'm glad to be here.

You mentioned game theory and linked to an excellent Wikipedia page on the subject. While von Neumann is considered the father of modern, formal game theory, I see its roots in the medieval Mystery Plays. Cooperation between performer and audience was the point of the thing and it employed a rudimentary version of game theory. Group participation leveraged into not just a better outcome but a more fruitful journey toward that outcome. In this case, more fun and a great ending to the performance. I used to think of game theory as a benevolent approach that humanity would someday embrace in order to save our species. All we really have as humans is the journey. Shouldn't we WANT to work with others to make our journeys more fruitful? More mentoring? More caring? Alas, now when I think of game theory my mind goes to entities like Cambridge Analytica and I despair. CAN we humans be rational agents? Cambridge Analytica says no. And yet tomorrow morning the sun will certainly rise and I'll get up and try not to lose hope. The gift of sentience is both a burden and privilege. My wish is that we never tire of either.

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