The prisoner's dilemma is a game of strategy:
A) in which people make rational choices that lead to a less-than-ideal result for all.
B) in which people make rational choices that lead to the ideal result for all.
C) that leads everyone to be as well off as possible without making another worse off.
D) that leads people to make irrational choices that lead to the ideal result for all.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The prisoner's dilemma involves two individuals making rational choices, but these choices ultimately lead to a less-than-ideal result for both parties. The best choice in this situation is typically to cooperate with the other individual, but since both parties are acting in their own self-interest, they may ultimately choose to defect and betray the other person. In this scenario, both parties end up worse off than if they had cooperated. Thus, option A is the correct answer.

The Prisoner's Dilemma Is a Game of Strategy