Reaction paper to Prisoner's Dilemma

Prisoner’s dilemma is a game theory which acts to explain why two rational people cannot be able to cooperate together. This game is commonly used in situations whereby two people who either collaborated in making a mistake and the authorities do not have evidence against the suspects. The game therefore allows the two suspects to be put under different solitary confinements where they cannot be able to discuss the issue at hand (Poundstone, 2011). Each suspect is then questioned about the matter, if one suspect give conflicting statements from the other, then both of them are imprisoned. On the other hand, if both of the suspects decide to remain silent for the sake of the other, then they will not be imprisoned. If one of the suspects remains quiet while the other decides to provide information, then the one who kept quiet will be imprisoned. This game therefore allows the one who provides the right information to be set free. If one suspect gives a wrong information while the other one gives a right information, then both of them will be imprisoned. This therefore means that there is no way that two people can be able to corporate.

Each suspect will consequently want to be set free, and this will therefore make one to risk the life of the other suspect in order for one to be free (Poundstone, 2011). It not easy for both suspects to be quiet in order to safeguard the freedom of the other, this therefore means that one of them will have defy the odds and go against his or her partner. Therefore, the game explains how in real life situations, people cannot be able to sacrifice themselves for the sake of others. This game can also be used to identify if a person can be loyal to his or her friend in times of problems.

Reference

Poundstone, W. (2011). Prisoner's dilemma. New York: Anchor Books.