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Society 4/25/2010 at 5:36 PM EDT

Inside a Prisoner's Dilemma -- Self Interest or Rationality?

By Sherwin Steffin 6 comments

Sherwin Steffin

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Inside a Prisoner's Dilemma -- Self Interest or Rationality?

The Classic "Prisoner's Dilemma

You and another individual are arrested by the police. The police have insufficient evidence for a conviction, and, having separated both prisoners, visit each of you to offer the same deal. If you testify (defects from the other person) for the prosecution against the other while he remains silent (cooperates with you), the you go free and the other guy receives the full 10-year sentence. If both of you remain silent, then each is sentenced to only probation, for a minor charge. If both of you betray (Defect) the other, each receives a five-year sentence. Each of you must choose to betray the other or to remain silent. Each one is assured that the other would not know about the betrayal before the end of the investigation. How should you act?

To minimize the damage, it is obviously in the best interest of both to cooperate, and stay silent, so that each walks away with just a "slap on the wrist." Yet both of you face the temptation of going completely free, even though this means the other will serve a full sentence.

Before voting, make these two assumptions.

(1) The crime in question is non-violent, with no one suffering physical injury, or death.

(2) There is no personal relationship between you and the other accused that might otherwise influence your decision.

After voting, please comment, explaining the vote that you made.

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Sherwin Steffin Social Media Pages:

An OpEdNews editor, Sherwin Steffin is a retired educator, and research analyst. His working career ranged from classroom teacher, university administrator, founder and CEO of two software companies, independent consultant, (more...)

Related Topic(s): Betrayal; Cooperation; Self Defense; Self-interest; Self-realization; Self-reliance, Add Tags
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