Games in the Philosophy of Biology

About this book

This is an Element surveying the most important literature using game theory and evolutionary game theory to shed light on questions in the philosophy of biology. There are two branches of literature that Games in the Philosophy of Biology focuses on. It begins with a short introduction to game theory and evolutionary game theory. It then turns to working using signaling games to explore questions related to communication, meaning, language, and reference. The second part of the book addresses prosociality – strategic behavior that contributes to the successful functioning of social groups – using the prisoner's dilemma, stag hunt, and bargaining games.

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Games and dynamics
3. Common interest signaling
4. Conflict of interest signaling
5. Meaning and information in signals
6. Altruism and the Prisoner's Dilemma
7. Stag hunting, bargaining, and the cultural evolution of norms
8. Epilogue. Models, methods, and the philosophy of biology

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