Abstract

If one cares about one’s opponent in a game – if one identifies with one’s opponent – then this may affect how one ought to play. But how should we treat this in game theory? Rowbottom would present a novel, 'changing places', model of identification; the key insight is to introduce probabilities for outcomes to be swapped when games conclude. First, he would argue that this model is superior to its main rival, the ‘pooled resources’ view, in treating some multiplayer games. Second, he would illustrate how the model can easily handle the intuitively plausible notion that identification comes in degrees. Third, he would employ the model to derive general results for a variety of games, including the Stag Hunt and the Battle of the Sexes. The talk builds on an article, 'Identification in Games: Changing Places', published in Erkenntnis 77 [doi: 10.1007/s10670-011-9357-0]