Which of the following statements are true of the prisoners' dilemma?
(i) cooperation between the prisoners is difficult to maintain
(ii) rational self-interest leads neither party to confess
(iii) cooperation between the prisoners is individually irrational
A)(i) and (ii)
B)(ii) and (iii)
C)(i) and (iii)
D)(i), (ii) and (iii)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The prisoners' dilemma illustrates that while cooperation would be beneficial to all, rational self-interest leads each prisoner to betray the other, making cooperation difficult to maintain and individually irrational. Rational self-interest actually leads each party to confess (betray), not to remain silent, which contradicts statement (ii).

Which of the Following Statements Are True of the Prisoners