Game theory (Q5890523)

Game theory is a distinguished branch of applied mathematics. Its uses in modeling issues of social sciences, economics, decision making etc. is well know. This book is concerned with the introduction of rather sophisticated issues in the theme. The reader must be at home with basic mathematical analysis and probability theory as well.NEWLINENEWLINEIt is an updated version of a previous book published in Russian in 1998.NEWLINENEWLINEIn the first chapter is developed the classical matrix games theory. It is similar to which is usually encountered in other texts. Its content is condensed from the large amount of information on the theme. The content begins with the definition of the so-called two-person zero-sum game in a normal form and is followed by the discussion on normative principles (maximin, minimax, dominance), particular mathematical problems posed by games (saddle point, convexity, linear inequalities), conditions for the existence of solution and optimality as well as how to deal with the solution through iterative methods.NEWLINENEWLINEChapter 2 is concerned with a similar discussion on infinite zero-sum two-person games and non-zero-sum games respectively. They begin with a presentation of the game and deal with mathematical aspects of them rigorously. Chapter 3 introduces the concepts of Nash equilibrium and presents the famous theorem of Kakutani and its proof.NEWLINENEWLINEChapter 4 complements the noncooperative games discussion developed in the previous chapter by presenting cooperative games. The characteristic form of them is presented and discussed as well as the core and different solution concepts.NEWLINENEWLINEThis chapters enlarge the content of the Chapter 2 of the previous edition.NEWLINENEWLINEThe authors deal with positional games in Chapter 5 and present the needed theory of perfect information, absolute equilibrium, and fundamental functional equations. Penalty strategies, repeated games, hierarchical games, multistage games with incomplete information, behavioral strategies, functional equation for simultaneous multistage games, cooperative multistage games with perfect information, one way for two-stage network games, differential games is the theme of the next two chapters. Chapter 6 deals with \(n\)-persons differential games and the seventh investigates Zero-sum differential games. They are a extension of Chapter 5 of the previous edition.NEWLINENEWLINEIt includes examples and exercises coming from military, economics, political sciences, finance, etc. Discussions in the chapters of selected problems serve as illustration with a pedagogical intention. It overcomes the need of introducing elemental ideas of games theory avoiding exhaustively the mathematical treatment of side issues. It is self contained.NEWLINENEWLINEThe oeuvre may be used for an advanced course in undergraduate studies (looking for a serious treatment of games) but fits perfectly for PhD ones.