Introduction to Game Theory
Full course description
Consider a real-life situation where people, who may or may not have conflicting interests, make strategic decisions. When gametheorists use the word game, they mean a model (a simplification) of such a situation that can be analyzed and solved mathematically. The branch of mathematics that does this is called Game Theory.
In the Game Theory course the students will get an introduction to various different types of games and their solution concepts. Many examples will be discussed to clarify the issues and exercises will be provided to learn how to compute solutions. More specifically, the following fundamental issues will be encountered:
Course objectives
To familiarize the students with the fundamentals of Game Theory.
- Fairness & cooperation
- Rationality & Common Knowledge
- Expectations
- Threats & Manipulations
- Nonmanipulability
In most games that are discussed during the course, the strategic possibilities of the players determine what can happen. We will discuss the games in order of increasing strategic possibilities. So as the course progresses, the games and the strategies, and therefore also the mathematics, become more complex.
Prerequisites
SCI1010 Basic Mathematical Tools or substantial high school experience in Mathematics (For an indication of the relevant topics, see SCI-M, p. vi-viii). Students who are unsure if this course is suitable for them can contact the coordinator to discuss their situation.
Recommended reading
- Lecture Notes Introduction to Game Theory by Frank Thuijsman will be provided, complemented with an addendum written by the course coordinator.