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(Game theory is) essentially a structural theory. It uncovers the logical structure of a great variety of conflict situations and describes this structure in mathematical terms. Sometimes the logical structure of a conflict situation admits rational decisions; sometimes it does not.

— Anatol Rapoport Prisoner's dilemma: A study in conflict and cooperation (1965)

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More quotes by Anatol Rapoport

A fundamental value in the scientific outlook is concern with the best available map of reality.

A system is recognized as such by remaining recognizable as 'itself' in spite of changes in its detailed appearance.

The outstanding feature of behavior is that it is often quite easy to recognize but extremely difficult or impossible to describe with precision.

The outcome of a non-constant-sum game may be dictated by the individual rationality of the respective players without satisfying a criterion of collective rationality.

Anatol Rapoport (1974)

A thorough understanding of game theory, should dim these greedy hopes. Knowledge of game theory does not make one a better card player, businessman or military strategist.

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