This course introduces game theory concepts. It helps you understand strategic interactions, equilibrium, rationality, and cooperation. The course requires minimal mathematics, making it ideal for those seeking a conceptual introduction to game theory.
This course is for professionals and students in business, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, biology, and computer science, or anyone interested in strategic decision-making.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand core game theory concepts like equilibrium and rationality.
- Analyze strategic situations in business and social contexts.
- Explain how cooperation can be sustained in games.
- Apply game theory principles to diverse fields.
To be successful, you should have a basic understanding of logical reasoning. No advanced mathematical background is required.
Can a single framework analyze diverse social and economic problems? This module addresses that. You will see how rational decision-making helps, but isn't enough alone. We provide examples and game theory history. You will play a card game to experience strategic decisions. This module sets the foundation for understanding strategic interactions.
By the end, you will:
- Explain the need for game theory.
- Identify rational decision-making limits.
Tip: Participate actively in the game to grasp strategic thinking.
What's included
12 videos6 readings5 assignments
Show info about module content
12 videos•Total 91 minutes
Course Preview•2 minutes
1-1 What is Game Theory?•9 minutes
1-2 Modelling Social Problems as a "Game"•13 minutes
1-3 In Search for the Governing Principle•10 minutes
1-4 Concerns About a Mathematical Theory of Human Behavior•7 minutes
1-5 Let's Play a Game•6 minutes
Card Game Tutorial (No Audio)•3 minutes
1-6 John Nash Discovered the Governing Principle•7 minutes
1-7 Nash Equilibrium•10 minutes
1-8 Traffic Game in Reality•8 minutes
1-9 Location Game•6 minutes
1-10 Policies of Two Parties•11 minutes
6 readings•Total 52 minutes
Course Description•10 minutes
Syllabus•10 minutes
Card Game Challenge Instruction•10 minutes
(Supplementary Reading Material) Convergence to Nash Equilibrium in the Traffic Game•10 minutes
About Optional Challenge Problems•2 minutes
Supplemental explanation for Question 1, 2 and 3•10 minutes
5 assignments•Total 180 minutes
Practice Quiz 1.1•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1.2•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 1.3•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 1•30 minutes
Module 1 Optional Challenge Problems•60 minutes
Game Theory: Understanding Nash Equilibrium
Module 2•5 hours to complete
Module details
This module introduces Nash equilibrium, a basic solution concept of game theory. You will understand how players make decisions when considering others' actions. We will analyze how this concept applies to various strategic situations.
By the end, you will:
- Define Nash equilibrium and its significance.
- Identify Nash equilibria in simple games.
Tip: Focus on understanding the logic behind player choices in different scenarios.
What's included
10 videos1 reading5 assignments
Show info about module content
10 videos•Total 89 minutes
2-1 Nash Equilibrium and the Prisoner’s Dilemma•11 minutes
2-2 Coordination Game and Self-Fulfilling Prophecy•9 minutes
2-3 Market Competition•12 minutes
2-4 Why Do People Come to Play Nash Equilibrium? Part I•7 minutes
2-5 Why Do People Come to Play Nash Equilibrium? Part II•8 minutes
2-6 Why Do People Come to Play Nash Equilibrium? Part III•8 minutes
2-7 Stylized Facts and Nash Equilibrium•5 minutes
2-8 Make Yourself Unpredictable: Mixed Strategy Equilibrium•7 minutes
2-9 Sports Games and Game Theory•10 minutes
2-10 Nash Equilibrium Exists in All Games•11 minutes
1 reading•Total 2 minutes
About Optional Challenge Problems•2 minutes
5 assignments•Total 180 minutes
Practice Quiz 2.1•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2.2•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 2.3•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 2•30 minutes
Module 2 Optional Challenge Problems•60 minutes
Game Theory: Rationality, Evolution, and Strategic Behavior
Module 3•5 hours to complete
Module details
This module examines rationality and Nash equilibrium within game theory. We consider player intellectual capacities, from high reasoning to low intelligence. You will see Nash equilibrium emerge across various player abilities. This helps understand diverse strategic behaviors in social and business contexts.
By the end, you will:
- Analyze rationality's role in Nash equilibrium.
- Understand how player intellect affects game outcomes.
Tip: Consider real-world examples of varying player sophistication as you learn.
What's included
9 videos3 readings5 assignments
Show info about module content
9 videos•Total 94 minutes
3-1 Digression: The Card Game Revisited•11 minutes
3-2 Digression: How You Played the Card Game and Addressing the Concerns about Game Theory•16 minutes
3-3 “Payoffs” in a Game: What Exactly Are Those Numbers?•10 minutes
3-4 What Does it Mean That a Player is Rational?•7 minutes
3-5 Domination: Strategies That Are “Obviously Good or Bad”•11 minutes
3-6 Common Knowledge of Rationality•10 minutes
3-7 Low Rationality: What Happens if Players Are Not Very Smart?•7 minutes
3-8 Game Theory Under Zero-Intelligence: Biological Evolution•10 minutes
3-9 Fig Wasps Play a Nash Equilibrium•11 minutes
3 readings•Total 22 minutes
Aggregated Result of the Card Game Challenge•10 minutes
About Optional Challenge Problems•2 minutes
Supplemental explanation for Question 2, 3 and 4•10 minutes
5 assignments•Total 200 minutes
Practice Quiz 3.1•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3.2•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 3.3•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 3•30 minutes
Module 3 Optional Challenge Problems•80 minutes
Game Theory: Strategies for Sustaining Cooperation
Module 4•6 hours to complete
Module details
This module addresses game theory's core message: rational behavior often leads to socially undesirable outcomes. We will understand why this happens and how game theory has impacted natural and social sciences. You will learn methods to overcome this problem, improving social outcomes.
By the end, you will:
- Explain why rational behavior can lead to poor social outcomes.
- Identify methods to improve social outcomes in strategic settings.
Tip: Consider current events where individual rationality conflicts with collective good.
What's included
11 videos2 readings5 assignments
Show info about module content
11 videos•Total 123 minutes
4-1 Group Rationality and The Rationality of Individuals•10 minutes
4-2 Why is Group Rationality Different From Rationality of Individuals?•11 minutes
4-3 Group Rationality vs. Rationality of Individuals in Biological Evolution•12 minutes
4-4 Group Rationality vs. Rationality of Individuals in Social Thought•11 minutes
4-5 How to Enforce Socially Desirable Outcomes•13 minutes
4-6 Cooperation of gas Stations in Long-Term Relationship Part I: Need For Cooperation•12 minutes
4-7 Cooperation of Gas Stations in Long-Term Relationship Part II: Mechanism of Cooperation•11 minutes
4-8 Reputation and Brand Name•11 minutes
4-9 Cooperation in Loosely Knit Organization•14 minutes
4-10 Summary of the Course•13 minutes
Final Message from the Instructor•4 minutes
2 readings•Total 12 minutes
(Supplementary Reading Material) Why People Discount Future Payoff?•10 minutes
About Optional Challenge Problems•2 minutes
5 assignments•Total 200 minutes
Practice Quiz 4.1•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4.2•30 minutes
Practice Quiz 4.3•30 minutes
Graded Quiz 4•30 minutes
Module 4 Optional Challenge Problems•80 minutes
Instructor
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The University of Tokyo was established in 1877 as the first national university in Japan. As a leading research university, UTokyo offers courses in essentially all academic disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels and conducts research across the full spectrum of academic activity.
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Showing 3 of 2024
T
TS
4·
Reviewed on Dec 17, 2016
Rather philosophical then mathematical. An accumulation of simple, but essential and interesting reflections on what game theory is and how it relates to reality. Thank you, it was very enjoyable!
S
SZ
5·
Reviewed on Aug 3, 2020
It actually took sometime to me to complete this course. However it was a great learning experience for me. I think it will help me in future to pursue my career.
V
VV
5·
Reviewed on Aug 11, 2016
This course is very interesting, it helps to understand basic knowledge in game theory) And it's also easy to understand, because of available explanations of material.
Game theory is a framework for analyzing strategic interactions where individuals make decisions considering others' actions. It helps understand outcomes in various fields, including business, economics, and social sciences.
Who should take this game theory course?
This course is for anyone interested in strategic decision-making, including professionals in business, economics, political science, psychology, and computer science, or those seeking a conceptual introduction to game theory.
What skills will I gain from this course?
You will gain skills in game theory, strategic decision-making, and understanding cooperation. This course helps you analyze strategic situations and predict outcomes.
Does this course require advanced mathematics?
No, this course requires minimal mathematics. It focuses on the conceptual understanding of game theory, making it accessible to learners without a strong mathematical background.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.