“(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

Source: 1960s, Prisoner's dilemma: A study in conflict and cooperation (1965), p. 196

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Anatol Rapoport photo
Anatol Rapoport 45
Russian-born American mathematical psychologist 1911–2007

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Anatol Rapoport (1911–2007) Russian-born American mathematical psychologist

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“Although the drama of games of strategy is strongly linked with the psychological aspects of the conflict, game theory is not concerned with these aspects. Game theory, so to speak, plays the board. It is concerned only with the logical aspects of strategy.”

Anatol Rapoport (1911–2007) Russian-born American mathematical psychologist

Source: 1960s, "The Use and Misuse of Game Theory," 1962, p. 110

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