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University of Tokyo

Welcome to Game Theory

University of Tokyo via Coursera

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Overview

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This course introduces game theory concepts. It helps you understand strategic interactions, equilibrium, rationality, and cooperation. The course requires minimal mathematics, making it ideal for those seeking a conceptual introduction to game theory. This course is for professionals and students in business, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, biology, and computer science, or anyone interested in strategic decision-making. By the end of this course, you will be able to: - Understand core game theory concepts like equilibrium and rationality. - Analyze strategic situations in business and social contexts. - Explain how cooperation can be sustained in games. - Apply game theory principles to diverse fields. To be successful, you should have a basic understanding of logical reasoning. No advanced mathematical background is required.

Syllabus

  • Why Do We Need Game Theory, and What Does it Tell Us?
    • Can a single framework analyze diverse social and economic problems? This module addresses that. You will see how rational decision-making helps, but isn't enough alone. We provide examples and game theory history. You will play a card game to experience strategic decisions. This module sets the foundation for understanding strategic interactions. By the end, you will: - Explain the need for game theory. - Identify rational decision-making limits. Tip: Participate actively in the game to grasp strategic thinking.
  • Game Theory: Understanding Nash Equilibrium
    • This module introduces Nash equilibrium, a basic solution concept of game theory. You will understand how players make decisions when considering others' actions. We will analyze how this concept applies to various strategic situations. By the end, you will: - Define Nash equilibrium and its significance. - Identify Nash equilibria in simple games. Tip: Focus on understanding the logic behind player choices in different scenarios.
  • Game Theory: Rationality, Evolution, and Strategic Behavior
    • This module examines rationality and Nash equilibrium within game theory. We consider player intellectual capacities, from high reasoning to low intelligence. You will see Nash equilibrium emerge across various player abilities. This helps understand diverse strategic behaviors in social and business contexts. By the end, you will: - Analyze rationality's role in Nash equilibrium. - Understand how player intellect affects game outcomes. Tip: Consider real-world examples of varying player sophistication as you learn.
  • Game Theory: Strategies for Sustaining Cooperation
    • This module addresses game theory's core message: rational behavior often leads to socially undesirable outcomes. We will understand why this happens and how game theory has impacted natural and social sciences. You will learn methods to overcome this problem, improving social outcomes. By the end, you will: - Explain why rational behavior can lead to poor social outcomes. - Identify methods to improve social outcomes in strategic settings. Tip: Consider current events where individual rationality conflicts with collective good.

Taught by

Michihiro Kandori

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Reviews

4.5 rating, based on 16 Class Central reviews

4.7 rating at Coursera based on 2023 ratings

Start your review of Welcome to Game Theory

  • Profile image for Adelyne Chan
    Adelyne Chan @adelyne
    292
    My difficulty review may be slightly biased by the fact that I have taken another game theory course previously (offered on Coursera by Matt Jackson - Prof Kandori does make mention of this course in Welcome to Game Theory as well) which I found ins…
  • Enrico De Menezes
    2
    Introduces major concepts in Game Theory in an easy way. Very good to begin in this topic. Most lectures are interesing, so I didn't get bored at all (I often do in MOOCs).
  • L K B
    7
    Great and easy introduction to the subject. It was easy to follow, and while not in depth, it allowed me to understand the theory and basic principles behind Game Theory. If you want to learn basic this is very good course.
  • Maboroshi
    82
    A fundamental introduction to game theory. Actually it is Tokyo University that attracts me to take the course. The professor's lecture is elaborate and course design is nice. Nevertheless, Japanese English is a bit sucked!
  • Profile image for Rin Tsukimi
    Rin Tsukimi
    4
    Love this course! The professor provides an engaging introduction about the basic ideas of Game Theory with tons of examples. The course contents are easy to understand even for someone, like me, who doesn't have a advanced math background! He also recommended several following courses to take for people who is interested in this area.
  • Anonymous
    very good introductory course on game theory. no mathematical background needed, and interesting applications provided to illustrate some of the concepts taught. a good course to get started on the basics and give background and an overview on the topic!
  • Anonymous
    A very brief and simple introduction to Game Theory using real life examples. There are no pre-requisites.

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  • Met Bay
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    Zoltan Sánchez
    12
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    1
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    Dhanesh Kumar Kasinathan
    1
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    Zhe Li
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    Bicheng Cao
    1
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