Game theory can explain humanity s biggest problem, Steven Pinker

Harvard professor Steven Pinker explains that everyone suffers from this rationality error. Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube Up next, Harvard negotiator explains how to argue Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker argues that while the Enlightenment ideals of using knowledge to enhance human wellbeing are not inherently natural to us, they are vital for societal progress. But one obstacle standing in front of greater progress centers on game theory, particularly situations involving the tragedy of the commons. The tragedy of the commons describes a predicament in which individuals independently pursue their own interests, leading to the overexploitation and eventual depletion of a shared resource, ultimately harming everyone s wellbeing. According to Pinker, one example of a tragedy of the commons lies within what we choose to believe in public. An indiv