Skip to main content

Prisoner’s Dilemma

Definition

The Prisoner’s Dilemma is a fundamental concept in game theory illustrating why two rational individuals might not cooperate, even when it appears to be in their best collective interest. It describes a situation where individual incentives lead to a suboptimal outcome for both parties when they act independently. This scenario highlights the tension between self-interest and mutual benefit. The dilemma demonstrates the challenges of achieving cooperation in the absence of trust or enforceable agreements.