Let the Game Begin!

Let the game begin in 10…   9…   8…   7…   6…   5…   4…   3…   2…   1…

RRRrrrriiiinnnngggg!!!!!!!!!!!
           The sound of the alarm clock awakens you. It says 8:00 am. You immediately jump off  the bed 

           and hurriedly scamper to the comfort room. After a 5-minute shower, you put on your garments,

           brush your hair a  little,  run  off  to  the kitchen, grab toasted bread, wear your shoes and race to 

           the  door.  Now,  you’re   ready   to  face  and  compete  with  the  bustling  people  outside  your 

           house and accept the challenges that await your day.

Life is a game. Many people had developed strategies or ways on how to play it. You should make decisions wisely. Speaking of decisions, there is a study of strategic decisions where the results of strategies depend on other participant’s strategies, this is called Game Theory. 

To learn and understand game theory better, let’s take a look at a book entitled “Rock, Paper, Scissors: Game Theory of Everyday Life” by Len Fisher. This book would be a very good book to introduce game theory to beginners, like me, to learn more about game theory. 

The example of game theory used in the book is the famous Prisoner’s Dilemma, a theoretical situation, in which two suspects are arrested and imprisoned for a crime they probably committed. Each of them is questioned separately and offered the same deal. They were asked to confess and if no one does, both of them will be convicted for one year but if both of them confess, they will be again imprisoned, let us say, for at least 3 years. If one of them betrayed the other while the one being betrayed stay silent, the confessor will be freed while the one who remained silent will be put to jail, more than necessary. And then he introduced the Nash Equilibrium made by John Nash. Its idea mainly say that it is a position in which both sided have selected a strategy and neither side can then independently change its strategy without ending up in a less desirable position.

Game theory is everywhere. The author incorporated it with the common events that happen in everyday life. For instance is the wedding. A guy offered two pieces of cake, sliced unequally, to a person. That person chose the smaller one because he/she would feel bad taking the larger slice. The game theories call that sort of overall benefit “utility” in which all the factors had been taken into action. He also introduced the concepts of minimax and fair division. He highlighted it with anecdotes like how he got in trouble while he shooted fireworks when he was still a kid. Minimax means looking at a situation to see how much you might lose and then planning your actions so as to minimize that loss.

The book does not only discuss Prisoner’s Dilemma but as well as Tragedy of the Commons, Free Rider, Chicken, The Volunteer’s Dilemma, Battle of the Sexes, and Stag Hunt. He also associated the famous game played around the world, the rock-paper-scissors game. I was really amazed on how he used it in conflict resolution. I think the reason is that the game has no pure strategy that makes you dominate the others. Thus, situations and games which seem to be at a standstill can be solved by adding strategies and making them to rock-paper-scissors situations.

The rest of the book revolves about cooperation: how we can gain others trust, offer bargain effectively, and then changing the game to avoid being trap of the Prisoner’s dilemma and other unpleasing results.

As what I had said at the earlier part, life is a game. Its either you win or lose and winning depends on how you play it. You should make good strategies and decisions to live smoothly. And in every game that you encounter, you should have a weapon that will help you play it out well. To conclude this, I will leave a famous phrase that I think each one of us is praying for, “May the odds be ever in our favor”.

Major Minus

Life has always been a mystery ride. You never knew where it can lead you or why it takes you there. But behind those rides, life is simply a game you play. A tough game of chances we play for everyday in our lives. An adventure that made us win or lose.

In Rock, Paper, Scissors, physicist Len Fisher demonstrates the game theory of life. Game theory studies how we maximize gain in competitive situations, assuming that self-interest controls why people make decisions (Dixon, 2008). Also, Fisher showed the limits of game theory, such that what’s best for one particular person may not be best for everyone in the society. Take for example, it may be easier for you to cross the road without taking the pedestrian lane, but if everyone followed that, there may be an increase in road accidents and more people would die.

However, on the brighter side, we humans tend to show cooperative behaviors than some of us might assume. Fisher uses game theory to show how cooperative behaviors have evolved to escape the traps created by selfishness, and how cooperation persists in even the most difficult circumstances (Dixon, 2008).

The book consists of various games that serve as models for real-life solutions. For instance, the game “Tit for Tat,” a payback strategy that comes into play when two people or groups are likely to meet repeatedly, showed that people are more likely to cooperate with you in the future if you have cooperated with them in the past: Suppose a person helped a woman carry the boxes to her car. Assuming the two people meet again, the woman will have the incentive to return back the favor by either helping the person out or by treating him to coffee or food. Fisher also concluded that the two main reason people cooperate is by the statement, “do unto others what you would have them do unto you” or by imposing threats to get the work done.

Nevertheless, Fisher’s game theory solutions are all but entertaining and morally educating and idealistic. But what happens if the woman didn't return the favor? Even so, Rock,Paper, Scissors is a wonderfully entertaining and relevant book concerning game theory and the science of cooperation.

I'll Bet Algebra Was Cool

Is algebra important in the real world? How is it necessary? How could algebra be used to buy goods in a store? Duh!  

(Those are just statements of people from all walks of life that when asked how algebra can be essential to our daily life adventure)

     Honestly, algebra has always been a huge part of our lives. From paying our fares when riding a jeepney to calculating the distance traveled. However, most people do not realize that algebra is used almost every day in their lives. Why is that anyway?

    To begin with, first may I introduce to you our group, Fear Busters! Technically, our group aims in removing all your anxieties and fear of algebra so that you could face algebra problems with confidence and a huge smile on your faces. Sounds cool huh? But anyway, let me tell you how our group do the magic.

    For the first session, we organized a game. Actually the reason why we skipped the lecture part is to impart that algebra is really fun and harmless. Through this, students would experience algebra without thinking all the out-of-this-world equations and solutions; rather they would feel that algebra is just a sort of a simple arithmetic. And later, when we proceed to the lecture part, they would not fear the equations and instead look the problems in a more positive thinking.

     For the first part of the game, we created a quiz bowl participated by groups. The quiz bowl consists of all the topics in algebra, from linear equations to quadratic equations. The game has 3 rounds, the easy, average and hard levels. The points garnered by each group would be ranked according to lowest to highest. Once they were ranked, it would determine their number for the second game.

     The second game involves physical and mental strategies but for the fun part, no calculations needed! The objective is simply to find all the letters in the ALGEBRA word in the shortest time possible. The letters were labelled by numbers 1-3, which determine the rank of each group and also to ensure that the groups collect the letters marked for them. So yeah, the winners would be guaranteed with a sweet price!

   Now, for the second session of our Fear Busters day, we delivered our group’s awesomazing presentation. We first presented our impromptu skit tackling all the topics in algebra. Of course, we won’t tackle it in a boring and ruthless way. Remember that our main goal is to let you enjoy algebra as much as possible? So, we made sure you’re getting much of our dear services.  (HAHAHAHA)

     Once we’ve finished presenting the topics in algebra, we put it into debate. The debate was about the importance of algebra in our daily lives. The group divided into pros and cons. The pros claimed that algebra is useful in our daily lives, provided with examples and convincing reasons. While the cons argued that, “No, it has no importance in our daily lives. Stop relating algebra and live the life without it!!!!” It was a tough comparison of ideas, knowing that both groups have its own point. But in the end of the day, it was you, yourself, who will decide if you needed algebra by your side.

    To put it in general, we just want to imply that algebra is reasonably important no matter what application you would use to put into your life. However, it is your decision to use it or not. But, you must also remember that algebra with its advantage can take you to many places and mold you into someone you wanted in the future. Choose wisely. In the end, it’s your own decision that mattered.

       We are just here if you needed some help!

PS: Thank you for cooperating and also for having fun with us! It really meant a lot to us. Arigatou gozaimasu!

Child's Play

Making decisions for yourself could either be difficult or not depending on the situation you’re in but what about making decisions that doesn’t just involve you but other people. Would you choose the way that would completely benefit you but not the other person or would you choose to give way to that person? This is where Game Theory comes in. Through Game Theory, we are able to know how and why people uses different kinds of strategies when faced with this situation. Game Theory studies how people maximizes gain during competitions and the like. Over the years, game theorists has named the Seven Deadly Dilemmas that people encounter. The Prisoner’s Dilemma, Tragedy of the Commons, Free Rider, Chicken, Volunteer’s Dilemma, Battle of the Sexes and Stag Hunt. All of this are in a book called Rock, Paper, Scissors: Game Theory in Everyday Life. A critically acclaimed book written by Len Fisher and author of Weighing the Soul and How to Dunk a Doughnut, books that were named Best Popular Book of the Year by the American Institute of Physics.

            In our world today, everything is designed to deceive our brain so how do you know who to trust? In a television show I watched called Brain Games there was an experiment wherein 2 strangers compete over a briefcase full of cash called Split or Steal. The rules of the game is that when both of them raised the placard Split, they could split the cash. When they both raise the Steal placard, they can’t get the money. However, when one raises the word Steal and the other Split, the one with the word steal gets all the money. The experiment shows that 3 pairs of total strangers split the money. However, there are participants who decided to steal from the other person. This experiment shows that more people today are trusting because in order to survive in this world we tend to default to cooperation hoping that others would do the same. And this is true because in order for our society to prosper, people must learn how to trust and cooperate with one another. However, for me one should not give their 100 percent trust to the people you are not familiar with because you might get disappointed if they do the opposite of what you expect. This is explained in Stewart’s book by the Tragedy of the Commons wherein cooperation produces the best overall outcome.

            Prisoner’s Dilemma shows the different choices one could make when one is trapped in situation. And a Nash Equilibrium shows a choice in which one could not get away from without ending up in bad position. Stewart also presented the two major challenges to cooperation which are “To find a way to reach coordinated agreements” and “To find a way to make people stick to those agreements”. The Tragedy of the Commons is one of the Deadly Dilemmas. It involves different pairs of people which plays a series of Prisoner’s Dilemma. Next is the Free Rider wherein one takes advantage of the people around him/her and not doing anything. The Chicken or Brinkmanship is another Deadly Dilemma that pushes one another to a verge of falling until this person backs down first. The Volunteer’s Dilemma shows that one sacrifices himself/herself in order for the community to gain. Battle of the Sexes, shows that two people has different preferences and that they prefer to go with the other than separating just to get what they want. Stag Hunt is a Deadly Dilemma that gives a better result when done as a group than going alone and breaking the bond.

            All in all, Stewart was able to explain each of this Deadly Dilemmas in a way that the masses would be able to understand and comprehend. And for me, this book is exciting to read and would help me to be cautious in making decisions in the future.

By: DAISIC DE ASIS BELLO

A Review on Rock, Paper, Scissors ( book)
Len Fisher

Rock, Paper, Scissors is a very informative book presenting truths most of the people are  asleep on. From the moment the morning sun kisses our cheeks to the time it leaves for a rest, we face instances and be inside circumstances wherein decision-making is a necessity and self-interest is the hidden and first consideration. Relating daily events and serious issues like the Kyoto protocol (signed by developed countries telling them to reduce carbon emissions) and the Cuban Missile Crisis (which sparked the bloodless yet scariest cold war between US and USSR) to game theory, the author spoke of the omnipresence of choices and the somehow egocentric nature of humans. The word cooperation was introduced as a form of compromise, where the aim of both parties is partially or fully achieved.

            One of the eureka-mode lines in the book is this : the paradoxes and problems come in when a strategy  of cooperation would lead to the best outcomes for all concerned  but each party is tempted to try for a better outcome for itself, only to become trapped by its own greed in an inferior situation, a.k.a tragedy of commons, the first of the deadly dilemmas. Crabs pull each other down while exerting all their might to get to the top without knowing that they are up to an I-regret-this-situation moment. Second is the Free rider problem   when some politicians put farmer’s and worker’s money on their pockets. So timely. The third is Chicken (I, SERIOUSLY, am getting hungry and I can smell the scent of some meat thing dish up in the kitchen). Anyway, the undying issue on Spratly islands and its rightful owner/s illustrates this. Country A sends troops here, Country B there. One, presenting legal documents defending ownership, the other talking of no fictional tales of the island’s very strong importance and existence on their history. Both countries “push the other to the edge as they can, with each hoping that the other will back down first”.

            “If no one volunteers to solve the word problem, I will give it as a quiz.” This is one of the frightening lines that could ever come out of a teacher’s mouth. Then all of the student’s minds would silently shout in unison somebody solve that already, avoiding their teacher’s face and leaning in different directions. Everybody wants the same thing to happen but nobody has the courage to make the move. As the author pointed out, each person hopes that someone else will make the sacrifice on behalf of the group. And the nerd saved the day.

            A radio jock said in his late night program that most men do things or be in places they don’t like but continue to do so in the name of being a boyfriend to a girlfriend. Going to parks, watching romantic movies, wearing cute bunny headbands and doing selfies are some. Most girls do not find watching basketball and wrestling to be time worthy, but they would rather do so to be able to share with each other’s company. Dilemma number 5 :Battle of the Sexes. Meanwhile, after hearing each other’s business promises and knowing about the members’ credibility and good reputation and the assurance of full cooperation, everyone feels the scent of success.This goes to people who are members of a company, corporation and even classroom groupings who were given specific tasks having that burning desire to triumph.

           

One tip the author suggested is to stay if you win, shift if you loose. I remembered the last episodes of ANTM Cycle 20. There were three remaining models left –one female, two male. On the other hand, the eliminated models chose among themselves who they think would win. Team Marvin, consisting of four people wore blue shirts, team Jourdan with only one, wore orange, while team Cory, having the most number of supporters, wore pink. The resident photographer  told the supporters (models) that they can switch sides and win a thousand dollars if the model they are supporting wins. Mike, from Cory’s team decided to choose Jourdan. His decision was right. This 6’1 blonde bombshell won. For the record, she has won a lot of challenges and she has the most number of best photos. So Mike and Chris went home with the money. Well, there are nine other tips he suggested which I believe, are most helpful.

The author’s points was well explained and concrete examples ranging from the most typical event in life  to social, political and environmental happenings was given. Structurally wise. Plain language was used and dummies will not find it too difficult to comprehend. Reading the first sentence may give a sense of boredom, but there are some force that holds one back , and unknowingly, he or she has read many parts and even finished the book already, digesting sold ideas while realizing that a similar and connected event occurred in his or her life. He was able to create a work patterned on his own unique but not that distinct style. His purposes and that is to let people see math in a different, beautiful light was successful.



Glory to God

           

rock, paper, scissors ?? hulat lang naa pa tay exam

Rock, Paper, Scissors

          

           “Rock, Paper, Scissors is a refreshingly informal as well as insightful account of key ideas in game theory. Len Fisher gives many examples, several from his own life, of games that post harrowing choices for their players. He shows how game theory not only illuminates the consequences of these choices but also may help the players extricate themselves from situations likely to cause anger or grief.” 

                                    – Steven J. Brams, New York University, author of Mathematics and Democracy

Because my mind is so clouded, and I don't know how to start this, I decided to search for blogs about this book, One blogger have said that "Rock, Paper, Scissors is a popular science book that connects  game theory to everyday situations and suggests several strategies for achieving cooperation". Fisher shows how the modern science of game theory has helped biologists to understand the evolution of cooperation in nature, and investigates how we might apply those lessons to our own society.

What's great about this book is that it is not that dull to read, and it is not purely about mathematics. Whenever something is being tackled about, it will be more interesting if it would be connected to real life situations, like what Fisher did.

The first chapter of the book describes the Prisoner’s dilemma and gives the negative connotation that the Nash equilibrium is a logical trap. The matrix graphics are not that illuminating either. The second chapter offers a nice introduction to the concepts of minimax and fair division. Fisher illuminates fair division with anecdotes like how he got in trouble as a kid shooting fireworks, and as a consequence had to yield fireworks with his brother. The answer he intuitively arrived to as a kid was what he know realizes was an application of the minimax principle. Chapter three is about seven of the most interesting game theory problems, which Fisher aptly dubs “the seven deadly dilemmas.” Here Fisher offers a great summary of such problems as the free rider issue and the game of chicken. Chapter four is a humorous one, and is about the game “rock, paper, scissors.” It’s amusing how rock, paper, scissors can be used in conflict resolution. The reason is that the game has no pure strategy that dominates the others. Hence, situations and games which seem to be at a standstill can be solved by adding strategies and converting them to rock-paper-scissors situations. Finally, chapters’ five to eight are all about cooperation: how we can achieve trust, bargain effectively, and change the game to avoid the “trap” of the Prisoner’s dilemma and other undesirable outcomes. I won’t go into detail, as the main fun points are similar in nature to the other chapters: the narratives and interesting examples from science.