Check out this interesting report on Testing Game Theory from ABC News.
Is life a game? Can we think about what other people are thinking to solve impossible tasks/meet impossible challenges? Are "credible threats" the motivation for people to overcome tremendous odds?
Barry Nalebuff, from Yale's University School of Management comments in this report.
5 comments:
Very interesting. Not sure that life is a game, but I think in our culture it is often perceived as such. Neil Postman's "Amusing Oursleves to Death" comes to mind - don't think he talking about life as a game, but I think some of the principles may apply. This could be a factor in why youth have difficulty in applying truth to their lives: we often focus on salvation from hell, the promise of heaven, but do we present them with "credible threats"? Do we show them in our apologetic that truth "works" and the falsehood or foolish living doesn't - starting now and for eternity?
(Now I've got to go and think some more about LOST...)
I saw this program on ABC and it was pretty interesting. I think most people probably do spend at least a little bit of energy trying to figure out what others are thinking or how our actions may impact how they act. Or maybe that's just those of us who are officers :)
Hi Kevin,
I think your right - It seems that often we swagger between a fearful 'hell and brimbstone' presentation of the gospel; and a lethargic 'do as you like' approach - never getting close to that middle ground.
Maybe what we need IS to look at redemptive theology through the lens of game theory. The credible threat idea really does work...
Regarding Neil Postman, I think if he were alive, he would find game theory pretty interesting. Many in the Department of Culture and Communication at NYU are looking at game theory in relation to media and culture. However, "Amusing Ourselves to Death" doesn't really focus on this type of issue. He is focusing more on television as a medium which is not conducive to learning.
I have been interested in applying game theory to actual video game design (particularly the afterschool program design I have discussed in previous posts). However, I think that this can transfer into all sorts of aspects of youthwork and theology.
Thanks for the comments,
Steve
Hi Jim,
True - this seems to apply to youthworkers, too! Particularly this one!
I am amazed at game theory as a metaphor for understanding people. The metaphor of text has been so prominent in media/cultural theory for so long, this provides an alternative.
There is a debate between ludologists (play/game theorists)and narratologists (textual/literary theorists) for a while. I'll try to post more on this later.
Steve
Hi Andrea,
It's great to hear from you. I hope all is well. Please say hi to your Mom and Dad for me. Sharon and I hope you are all doing well!
Steve
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