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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 provides a brief introduction to game theory. Our main goal is to understand the basic ideas behind the key concepts in game theory, such as equilibrium, rationality, and cooperation. The course uses very little mathematics, and it is ideal for those who are looking for a conceptual introduction to game theory. Business competition, political campaigns, the struggle for existence by animals and plants, and so on, can all be regarded as a kind of “game,” in which individuals try to do their best against others. Game theory provides a general framework to describe and analyze how individuals behave in such “strategic” situations. This course focuses on the key concepts in game theory, and attempts to outline the informal basic ideas that are often hidden behind mathematical definitions. Game theory has been applied to a number of disciplines, including economics, political science, psychology, sociology, biology, and computer science. Therefore, a warm welcome is extended to audiences from all fields who are interested in what game theory is all about.

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. 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: Nash Equilibrium
    • Conversational Style: The description uses an engaging, conversational tone, directly addressing the learner with 'we' and posing a question. Core Content: The description provides an overview but lacks explicit, bulleted learning objectives and success tips. Structure and Tone: The description is concise and clear, building confidence by focusing on understanding a central concept. Scaffolding: The description clearly connects to the broader course by introducing a 'basic solution concept of game theory' in Module 2. Relevance: The description highlights the importance of Nash equilibrium as a 'central concept' in game theory. SEO Match: The description includes the SEO keyword 'game theory'.
  • Rationality and Evolution in Game Theory
    • This module examines rationality and Nash equilibrium. 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. 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: Sustaining Cooperation
    • This final 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. 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 2021 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.

  • Rajiv
  • Met Bay
    6
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    14
  • Profile image for Zoltan Sánchez
    Zoltan Sánchez
    12
  • Pedro Lopes Bouças
    1
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    Dhanesh Kumar Kasinathan
    1
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    Zhe Li
    19
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    Bicheng Cao
    1
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