Kevin Zollman

In this discussion, Kevin Zollman, a leading philosopher at Carnegie Mellon, dives deep into the fascinating world of game theory and its applications. He explains how game theory helps us understand everything from international relations to the evolution of language. Zollman highlights concepts like the ultimatum game, signaling in mate choice, and the origins of meaning in communication. He even connects game theory with parenting strategies from his book, offering practical insights for family dynamics. This conversation is a thrilling exploration of strategy and human interaction!

Kevin Zollman, Professor of Philosophy and Social and Decision Sciences, explains game theoretic concepts to study non-verbal communication between animals. The podcast explores the application of game theory in animal communication, focusing on peacocks' extravagant tails as costly signals. It discusses the honest communication in evolutionary biology, the mystery of chicks' communication, and the concept of equilibrium in evolutionary game theory.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Zollman, an associate professor of philosophy specializing in game theory, and Annie Duke, a professional poker player and decision-making expert, delve into the intricacies of strategic thinking. Zollman explains how competitive scenarios, like the Cold War, can turn cooperative, using phased arms reduction as an example. Duke shares insights on the sunk cost fallacy, emphasizing the importance of future payoffs in decision-making. Together, they reveal how game theory can transform choices in both high-stakes poker and everyday life.