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The Complexity of Cooperation: Agent-Based Models of Competition and Collaboration
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Robert Axelrod is widely known for his groundbreaking work in game theory and complexity theory. He is a leader in applying computer modeling to social science problems. His book The Evolution of Cooperation has been hailed as a seminal contribution and has been translated into eight languages since its initial publication. The Complexity of Cooperation is a sequel to that landmark book. It collects seven essays, originally published in a broad range of journals, and adds an extensive new introduction to the collection, along with new prefaces to each essay and a useful new appendix of additional resources. Written in Axelrod's acclaimed, accessible style, this collection serves as an introductory text on complexity theory and computer modeling in the social sciences and as an overview of the current state of the art in the field.
The articles move beyond the basic paradigm of the Prisoner's Dilemma to study a rich set of issues, including how to cope with errors in perception or implementation, how norms emerge, and how new political actors and regions of shared culture can develop. They use the shared methodology of agent-based modeling, a powerful technique that specifies the rules of interaction between individuals and uses computer simulation to discover emergent properties of the social system. The Complexity of Cooperation is essential reading for all social scientists who are interested in issues of cooperation and complexity.
- ISBN-100691015678
- ISBN-13978-0691015675
- PublisherPrinceton University Press
- Publication dateAugust 18, 1997
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions6 x 0.62 x 9 inches
- Print length248 pages
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"Coping with Noise" deals with agents that make mistakes in their defections and cooperation.
"Promoting Norms" covers the fact that pure self-interest isn't a stable strategy and to promote stability requires norms - common behaviors among agents. The most interesting result from his work is NOT that agents should punish defectors - that is intuitive - but agents who DON'T punish defectors (of norms) must be "persuaded" to punish defectors to keep the norm stable. I guess we all need both the carrot and stick!
"Choosing Sides" covers landscape theory - the creation of population aggregates because similar agents tend to clump together.
There are other interesting sections and I like this book. I would normally give a five to this book; however, this is also a thin book. If there were more coverage of the material and a more in depth discussion of other peoples work, I would have given it a five.
Analyzing Cooperation and Collaboration:
Axelrod sets the stage by delving into the nature of cooperation and the challenges it faces in various contexts. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms that drive cooperation, addressing questions such as why individuals cooperate, what strategies foster cooperation, and how cooperation emerges and sustains in the face of self-interest. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, empirical studies, and agent-based models, Axelrod sheds light on the intricate interplay of individual incentives and collective outcomes in cooperative settings.
Agent-Based Modeling and Complexity:
A distinguishing feature of "The Complexity of Cooperation" is Axelrod's emphasis on agent-based modeling as a tool for exploring complex social phenomena. Axelrod demonstrates how agent-based models, which simulate the interactions of autonomous agents, can capture the dynamics of cooperation and competition in diverse scenarios. He illustrates the power of these models in uncovering the mechanisms underlying cooperation, examining the impact of different strategies, and understanding the robustness of cooperative behavior in the face of changing environments.
Case Studies and Empirical Evidence:
Throughout the book, Axelrod presents a range of captivating case studies and empirical evidence to support his arguments and illustrate the dynamics of cooperation. These examples span diverse domains, including biological systems, social networks, economic markets, and international relations. By analyzing real-world scenarios and drawing parallels with agent-based models, Axelrod provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of cooperation, enriching the reader's knowledge with empirical insights.
Comparative Analysis:
When compared to Axelrod's other notable work, "The Evolution of Cooperation," "The Complexity of Cooperation" delves deeper into the intricacies of cooperation and competition. While "The Evolution of Cooperation" focuses primarily on the emergence and evolution of cooperation, this book takes a broader perspective, exploring the interplay between cooperation and competition and the factors that influence their dynamics. By leveraging agent-based modeling and empirical evidence, Axelrod provides a more detailed and nuanced analysis of the complex nature of cooperation.
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本書で扱われているエージェントベース・アプローチとは、自律的に行動する主体(エージェント)が集合的に相互作用を繰り返すことによって、全体として予想できないような現象を創発させる様子をコンピュータ・シミュレーションによって明らかにしようというものです。これによって、経済のみならず、国際政治、文化などの現象もシミュレートできるという研究事例が論文集という形で載せられています。
この方法論は数学的解析の限界を克服し、実験の困難な社会現象を扱うことができるという点で新しい研究の方法論として、複雑系ブームの去った今日でも、一部の研究者によって地道に研究が進められています。社会科学分野では、まだ完全に市民権を得たものとは言えないようですが、将来着実にその重要性を増す分野になるだろうと、個人的には期待しています。掲載されている論文も難解なものではないので、私のような専門外の者が読んでも十分知的刺激を味わえる内容です。






