The Prisoner's Dilemma in Real Life

Image: YouTube

The Prisoner's Dilemma is a game theory scenario created by Merrill Flood and Melvin Dresher in 1950. Two criminals are imprisoned in isolation and taken to court. There is only enough evidence to convict them on a 1 year charge, however they both have evidence that will result in greater charges. If they both remain silent, they both serve 1 year in prison. If they both betray eachother, they both serve 2 years in prison. If one betrays the other and the other remains silent, the betrayer is set free and the silent one serves 3 years in prison.

Now fast forward to circa 2008 to a game show on UK TV called Golden Balls, where two contestants Sarah and Stephen are put in the Prisoner's Dillemma over a jackpot of £100,150 (with the added drama of being able to talk to eachother before the final decision)!
Watch the video to see who wins.... :-o

Share

Life Changing Smart Thinking Books