- [[common pool resource problem]], [[exploit-explore tradeoff]], [[promote cooperation]] # Idea Such problems can be represented by n-person [[prisoner's dilemma]]. Should I cooperate/contribute to the common good despite incurring individual costs? Let $x_j$, $x_j \in [0, 1]$ be the action of person $j$. Payoff to $j$: $-x_j + \beta \sum_{i=1}^{N} x_i$, where $\beta \in [0, 1]$ Collectively, we're better off if we cooperate. Imagine a collective action problem with 30 players. If you choose to cooperate (meaning $x_j = 1$), and so do 15 others, what is your payoff? Assume $p = .7$: $-1 + 0.7(16) = 10.2$ 16 represents everyone who cooperates (you and 15 others). -1 is your cost of cooperating. ## Applications - [[climate change]] # References - [[White 1967 historical roots of our ecologic crisis]]