List by Author: Steven J. Brams

Here's a simple game at which a human can out-fox even the cleverest algorithm.

Acknowledging that life is going to go on for a little while yet throws a different light on how we make decisions in a crisis.

Donald Trump, game theorist

Whatever you think of Donald Trump, we bet you didn't think he was good at game theory.

Dividing the indivisible

Disputes over property are all too common. It's quite easy to share a cake, but how do you share out indivisible goods, such as houses or cars, without causing resentment? Here are two easy methods.

The revelation game

Is it rational to believe in a god? The most famous rational argument in favour of belief was made by Blaise Pascal, but what happens if we apply modern game theory to the question?

Mathematics and democracy: Approving a president

Much criticism has been levelled at the US voting system, and with this being election year, we're bound to hear more of it. In this article Steven J. Brams proposes an alternative voting system that could help make things more democratic.

What do you think you're worth?

Bonuses are a fact of business life. Last year the Guardian newspaper calculated that the cash rewards paid to London's financial chiefs comfortably outstripped the UK's entire transport budget. With such large sums at stake, envy is bound to raise its ugly head, nver a good thing for company morale. So how should you decide who gets how much? Steven J. Brams suggests a method that's not only fair, but also encourages honesty.

Game theory and the Cuban missile crisis

Steven J. Brams uses the Cuban missile crisis to illustrate the Theory of Moves, which is not just an abstract mathematical model but one that mirrors the real-life choices, and underlying thinking, of flesh-and-blood decision makers.

Maths in a minute

Want facts and want them fast? Our Maths in a minute series explores key mathematical concepts in just a few words.

Maths in a minute: Mathematical models

A basic introduction to the most powerful tools in science and enginnering.
Climate change: How can maths help?

As COP28, the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, kicks off we look at how maths can help understand the climate crisis.
The travelling salesman

How do you create dramatic film out of mathematics? We find out with writer and director Timothy Lanzone.
Disease modelling for beginners

Mathematics plays a central role in understanding how infectious diseases spread. This collection of articles looks at some basic concepts in epidemiology to help you understand this fascinating and important field, and set you up for further study.
Maths in a minute: Conditional probability

Find out why the formula we use to work out conditional probabilities is true!

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