Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature (PHIL 181)

Two game theoretical problems–the Prisoner’s Dilemma and the Problem of the Commons–are explored in detail. Both collective decision-making scenarios are structured such that all parties making rational choices ensures a less desired outcome for each than if each had chosen individually-less-preferred options. To conclude, Professor Gendler discusses various strategies that can be used to address both problems.

00:00 – Chapter 1. The Prisoners’ Dilemma
20:11 – Chapter 2. The Classroom Dilemma
28:59 – Chapter 3. The Problem of the Commons
36:39 – Chapter 4. Strategies for Escaping the Problems

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website:

This course was recorded in Spring 2011.

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