Limits of Game Theory
The December 1, 2008 issue of Newsweek includes a review, by Jeneen Interlandi, of a new book "Rock, Paper, Scissors: Game theory in Everyday Life," by physicist Len Fisher. He assumes that all individuals are fundamentally selfish, but that we can invent strategies for minimizing interpersonal havoc by negotiating cooperative resolutions that maximize each person's self-interest. The author seems not to be aware of the potential for a genuine and profound interest, as well as feeling, for the well-being of others. Mathematical and economic theories of human behavior may mistakenly attempt to support pessimistic and short-sighted views of human nature. "Research" often merely justifies the bias of the researcher.
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