Game Theory and the Tragedy of the Commons

The ideals of the Enlightenment have been pivotal in improving human well-being by promoting knowledge-based decision making. However, they are not natural to human beings, and there is a tendency towards backsliding. For instance, people tend to ignore scientific findings, such as the efficacy of vaccines and the reality of climate change. In addition, they may engage in tribal warfare, as evidenced by the war in Ukraine. Steven Pinker argues that game theory, which involves rational decision making when the outcome depends on other rational people's actions, can explain one of humanity's biggest problems: the tragedy of the commons. This article examines how the tragedy of the commons and rationality relate to enlightenment humanism and the challenges it faces.

Game Theory and the Tragedy of the Commons

Game theory is a branch of mathematics that studies decision-making in situations where the outcome depends on what other rational people do. In the tragedy of the commons, each person acts in their self-interest, which leads to a suboptimal outcome for everyone. For example, if everyone decides to drive an SUV instead of waiting for the bus in the rain, it makes sense for them individually. However, if everyone thinks this way, the result is climate change, which harms everyone. Similarly, if everyone believes only what makes their side look good, the result is warring tribes rather than a joint search for truth.

Rationality Itself as a Tragedy of the Commons

Pinker also suggests that rationality itself can be a tragedy of the commons. When individuals are faced with a choice between believing something that would make them a hero to their peers or something that is objectively true, they may choose the former. If everyone thinks this way, there may be warring factions, each believing they are right, but the whole society is worse off.

Enlightenment Humanism and Rational Decision Making

Enlightenment humanism emphasizes rational decision making and the pursuit of knowledge to improve human well-being. However, as Pinker notes, this is not natural to human beings. There is always a tendency towards backsliding, such as ignoring scientific findings, engaging in tribal warfare, and promoting ideology over truth.

Nonetheless, civilization tends to drift towards greater rationality, as evidenced by progress in science and marginalized superstitious and immoral beliefs. Enlightenment humanism has a built-in advantage as it appeals to a common humanity, promoting values such as being alive, healthy, and educated. However, to make progress, the commitment to truth should be more important than promoting slogans that make one's side look good.

Conclusion

Game theory can explain one of humanity's biggest problems, the tragedy of the commons. Rationality itself can also be a tragedy of the commons when individuals prioritize ideology over truth. Enlightenment humanism promotes rational decision making and the pursuit of knowledge to improve human well-being. Despite facing challenges such as tribalism and ideological biases, civilization tends to drift towards greater rationality. Enlightenment humanism has a built-in advantage as it appeals to a common humanity, promoting values that benefit everyone. However, to make progress, a commitment to truth should be more important than promoting slogans that make one's side look good.

References

Pinker, S. (2018). Game theory can explain humanity’s biggest problems.

Hardin, G. (1968). The tragedy of the commons. Science, 162(3859), 1243-1248. doi: 10.1126/science.162.3859.1243