game theory

Does it pay to be nice? Yes, it does. And we're not just talking about that warm fuzzy feeling inside, it pays in evolutionary terms of genetic success too. We talk to Martin Nowak about how the mathematics of evolution prove that being nice is unavoidable.

It does pay to be nice if you repeatedly deal with the same person. Martin Nowak explains why cooperation also wins in matters of reputation, neighbourliness and family. But can evolutionary game theory save the world?

One of the most puzzling aspects of human behaviour is cooperation, in situations where backstabbing and selfishness would seem to be more rewarding. From the point of view of evolutionary theory, the very existence of altruism and cooperation appear mysterious.

We start the party by delving into the fascinating world of game theory.

Game theory suggests that sharing vaccine doses might give a selfish, as well as moral, advantage.

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.

The Nevanlinna prize winner Constantinos Daskalakis explains why equilibrium may be unattainable and why it's good to be constructive.

Daskalakis tells us about the work he is being honoured for, which involves complexity theory, game theory, online dating and traffic jams.

Why do most of us stick to social rules? Game theory offers an explanation.

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

A mathematical "paradox" explains why more roads don't necessarily mean fewer traffic jams.