The prisoners' dilemma describes a single- play game that features
A) a situation in which one player has better odds than the other.
B) a large number of rivals cooperating with each other.
C) two players who are unable to communicate with each other.
D) an outcome in which the participants collude.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The prisoners' dilemma is a standard example of a game analyzed in game theory that shows why two completely rational individuals might not cooperate, even if it appears that it is in their best interest to do so. It typically involves two players who are unable to communicate with each other, each facing the choice to cooperate with the other or to defect. The dilemma arises because each prisoner has an incentive to defect, regardless of what the other does, which leads to a worse outcome for both than if they had both cooperated.

The Prisoners' Dilemma Describes a Single- Play Game That Features