Prisoner’s Dilemma
The Basic Idea
Adam and Bianca are arrested for robbing a bank and placed in separate holding cells. The prosecutor individually presents both of them the following proposition: “You may choose to confess or remain silent. If one of you confesses and the other remains silent, the confessor will walk away free of charges, while the other faces 20 years in prison. If you both confess, both of you will face five years in prison. If neither of you confesses, then you both will face one year in prison.”
What is the best move for Adam to make, regardless of Bianca’s decision, if he is only looking out for his own well-being? What will Bianca’s decision be, given the consequences of all the scenarios? It seems like Adam and Bianca have found themselves in a prisoner’s dilemma.
People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes.
– Abigail Van Buren
About the Author
Adrienne Fu
Adrienne Fu is a student at McGill University studying Economics, Computer Science, and Psychology. She is passionate about behavioural economics, particularly its intersection with consumer decision-making and UX Design. Outside of the (virtual) office, she enjoys film photography, reading, and taking care of her (many) plants.
