The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast – 390. The Prisoner’s Dilemma, Tit-for-Tat and Game Theory | Robert Sapolsky

Intro

In this episode of “The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast,” Dr. Peterson explores the fascinating world of game theory with renowned biologist Robert Sapolsky. They delve into the intricate dynamics of cooperation and competition, discussing the emergence of morality in animals, the principles of game theory, and the implications for human behavior. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on the interplay between biology, psychology, and social dynamics.

Main Takeaways

Emergence of Morality in Animals

• Game theory applies to evolution, animal behavior, and the logic of our hearts and kidneys.
• Emergent morality of play in rats shows something like the emergence of a spontaneous morality.
• Physiology of an organism is reflective of its environment and morphology.

Game Theory and Cooperation

• Game theory was mostly the purview of war strategists and diplomats.
• Game theory applies to evolution, animal behavior, and the logic of our hearts and kidneys.
• The shadow of the future refers to the problem of iterated needs across vast spans of time in a complex social environment.
• Treating others well is identical to the ethical obligation to yourself as an extended creature.
• TIT for TAT emerged as a solution in iterative game competitions.

The Prisoner’s Dilemma and Tit-for-Tat

• The Prisoner’s Dilemma is a classic game theory scenario.
• Tit for tat is the simplest and most effective strategy in competitive circumstances where animals have to decide whether to cooperate or cheat.
• Evolution has sculpted optimal competitive cooperative behavior in all sorts of species to solve the prisoner’s dilemma problem.
• Shared culture can be an abstracted equivalent of a multi-situational game, allowing for the presumption of individuals rather than the demonization of the foreign.

Signal Errors and Trust

• Virtualization narrows the channel and increases the risk of signal errors.
• Online trolling and dark tetrad traits are emerging in virtual spaces.
• Building trust through shared experiences and cultural connections can mitigate signal errors in iterated games.
• Forgiveness should not be automatic, but based on prior history and cooperation in past rounds.

Dopamine and Motivation

• Dopamine encourages neural structures that were active in sequencing behavior to grow and flourish.
• Introducing novelty increases dopamine and signals that there’s more to be learned through exploration.
• The pursuit of what we think we want may not be what we truly desire.
• The dopamine system signals the happiness of pursuits, rather than the other way around.

Summary

Exploring the Dynamics of Cooperation

Game theory, a field that was once limited to war strategists and diplomats, has found its way into the realm of biology and animal behavior. The emergence of morality in animals, as observed in rats engaging in play, showcases the spontaneous development of cooperative behavior. This phenomenon reflects the intrinsic logic of how organisms evolve and adapt to their environment.

The Prisoner’s Dilemma and Tit-for-Tat

The Prisoner’s Dilemma, a classic game theory scenario, highlights the conflict between immediate and long-term good. Tit for tat emerges as the simplest and most effective strategy in competitive circumstances, where individuals must decide whether to cooperate or cheat. This strategy has been observed in multiple species, including bats with their collaborative feeding system.

Signal Errors and Building Trust

Virtualization and online spaces introduce new challenges to cooperation. The risk of signal errors and the emergence of dark tetrad traits pose threats to trust and cooperation. However, building trust through shared experiences and cultural connections can mitigate these errors and foster cooperation in iterated games. Forgiveness should be based on prior history and cooperation in past rounds, rather than automatic.

Dopamine and Motivation

The dopamine system plays a crucial role in motivation and reward-seeking behavior. Dopamine encourages the growth of neural structures associated with sequencing behavior and exploration. Introducing novelty increases dopamine levels, signaling the potential for further learning and reward. However, it is important to differentiate between pursuing what we think we want and what truly fulfills us.

Conclusion

The study of game theory and its application to biology and human behavior provides valuable insights into the dynamics of cooperation and competition. Understanding the emergence of morality, the principles of the Prisoner’s Dilemma, the role of trust, and the influence of dopamine can help navigate complex social landscapes. By embracing cooperation, building trust, and seeking meaningful pursuits, individuals can optimize their interactions and contribute to a more harmonious and productive society.