Game Theory and Strategy (Mathematical Association of America Textbooks) [Paperback]

Philip D. Straffin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0883856379 | ISBN-13: 978-0883856376 | Publication Date: September 5, 1996

This book pays careful attention to applications of game theory in a wide variety of disciplines. The applications are treated in considerable depth. The book assumes only high school algebra, yet gently builds to mathematical thinking of some sophistication. Game Theory and Strategy might serve as an introduction to both axiomatic mathematical thinking and the fundamental process of mathematical modelling. It gives insight into both the nature of pure mathematics, and the way in which mathematics can be applied to real problems.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Game Theory and Strategy is an elegant, crystal-clear expository work. Key concepts are emphasized and clearly explained.' Nature

Book Description

This book pays careful attention to applications of game theory in a wide variety of disciplines. The applications are treated in considerable depth. The book assumes only high school algebra, yet gently builds to mathematical thinking of some sophistication. It gives insight into both the nature of pure mathematics, and the way in which mathematics can be applied to real problems.

Product Details

• Paperback: 244 pages
• Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America (September 5, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0883856379
• ISBN-13: 978-0883856376
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Introduction into Game Theory, August 2, 2002

By 

mickey_moose "Mighty" (Austalia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Game Theory and Strategy (Mathematical Association of America Textbooks) (Paperback)

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read, covering the most interesting ideas in game theory and how they have impacted on other sciences from biology to sociology.
Almost no mathematical knowledge is required, because the text focuses on the ideas not the math.
Even if you want to learn about Game Theory including the mathematical foundation, I recommend to read this book first. It will wet your appetite for Game Theory and show the breath of ideas and applications.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Small Book on Game Theory, October 2, 2003

By 

Erik (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Game Theory and Strategy (Mathematical Association of America Textbooks) (Paperback)

I read a couple of books on game theory. This is one of the better books... but it also has one small advantage... it's small. I carry it almost everywhere and read its short chapters (another advantage) without getting too tired. It's also quite difficult to get tired reading the book as the author keeps his explanations fairly simple, lively, and to the point.

A good spread of topics and examples too!

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars anyone from social science should take a look, February 10, 2001

By 

roy ho (toronto, ontario) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Game Theory and Strategy (Mathematical Association of America Textbooks) (Paperback)

This book is designed to be easy to read. Mathematical maturity is almost irrelevant. This is a book written by a good mathematician, about how society, not mathematics. It is rare that a mathematician can write well about such a topic. Dr. Straffin did it very well. One might almost think that he is an English professor who is "translating" what a mathematics professor is lecturing. Moreover, Dr. Straffin is not lecturing how social scientists should conduct their studies. Instead, he is sharing his "mathematical lens" with the audience to view this world. After reading this book, one who has little experience with mathematics should feel that mathematics is not dry, dull and meaningless. The author is trying to show us with examples that mathematics is not only about particles, rockets and other "dead boring things." Mathematics is a tool for us understand this world, the part of the world with human beings in the story.