Game Theory: A Nontechnical Introduction by Morton D. Davis
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Book Reviews of Game Theory: A Nontechnical Introduction
Book Review: An Introduction to Game Theory
Summary: 4 Stars
As the name implies, this is a non-technical introduction to a very complex and technical subject. As such, the writer walks a very fine line between making the subject matter understandable to the lay-person and providing scientific support for his arguments. He is able to do this with a mixed level of success.The first few chapters of the book deal with relatively simple subject matter, two person zero sum games. In these chapters, the author is easily able to explain the concepts and solutions without getting technical. However, as the book progresses, the author grapples with ever more complex problems, such as two person non-zero-sum games and with n-person games. As the problems become more complex, the author's explanations become less well organized and clear. It is obvious that behind the arguments stand solid mathematical reasoning, however since the book tries to avoid mathematics as much as possible, many of the explanations and assumptions remain vague.
Although I was familiar with many of the concepts in the book, this is the first book I have read on game theory. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Although I would have liked to receive more in-depth explanations in many cases, I felt that the book opened a window for me into this fascinating world. I was especially pleased with the many real world examples the author uses to illustrate the wide-ranging applications of game theory. These examples include an application of game theory to the evolution of species; and the use of game theory to determine who holds the power in a political system. More well known concepts, such as the Prisoners' Dilemma, are also comprehensively discussed.
Bottom line, this is a really enjoyable book that covers a very challenging subject. If a non-technical introduction to game theory is what you want, this is the book for you. However, if you are more mathematically inclined or have already read a book or two on the subject, you will probably want to pick up a more advanced book.
Book Review: A good attempt at a difficult undertaking...
Summary: 4 Stars
Davis' book suffers from its very nature -- it attempts to explain a highly technical, that is, mathematical, subject without using mathematics. Davis is only partially successful in avoiding the use of mathematics; given the almost impossible nature ot the task, he does quite a good a job at explaining game theory.
The chapters on zero sum games hold together nicely and manage to leave the reader with an understanding of their nature as well as how to arrive at a Pareto-optimal solution. (Small rant: It drives me absolutely bonkers when I hear business school grads tossing around the word "Pareto" as if they had any idea of what they spoke!) When non-zero sum games are introduced, however, Davis simply cannot overcome the complexity of trying to explain multi-variable solutions with mere words. He resorts to quasi-mathematical explanations or makes assumptions that would not be at all obvious to the lay reader.
This book is an excellent refresher in game theory, or a good primer for those with some knowledge of the topic and some intuitive mathematics.
Book Review: Good Entry point. Well Written.
Summary: 4 Stars
The book is very well written, and surprisingly easy to read, considering how dry the subject matter can be at times. Gives a very nice introduction to the topic, and finishes off with a more formal discussion of some advanced topics.
If you are a mathematician, this book is probably excruciatingly easy for you, and probably has little academic value. But, if you are a layman, with an interest in systems and games, it really gives you a lot to think about, and a new way to think about it. It introduces a method of determining possible outcomes, as well as giving a nice overview of more sophisticated concepts, should you decide to explore the topic more fully.
Each chapter begins with some questions to consider while reading, and detailed answers to help at the back of each chapter. The only real issue I found with the book is that the questions are missing from chapter one, yet the answers are there. Odd.
Book Review: Solid non-technical peek into the subject
Summary: 4 Stars
The book covers the most interesting concepts and examples from Game Theory which are usually covered in first couple of chapters in a more serious book. However, this book is intended mostly for casual audience which might be even seeing "The Prisoner Dilemma" for the first time. The book was actually very useful for me since I had to find some book to do a quick recall of basic things because I had to give a simple lecture and I had left the research in the field for couple of years... If you want to see if you (or someone else) might be interested in game theory, start with this book. If you are already working in the field, you might skip it completely.Book Review: A very good introduction,many good examples
Summary: 4 Stars
My brother and I have both read the book and both of us enjoyed it. I know little about game theory, but I have found it to be one of the most interesting subjects I have read. This book gives many examples that are related to real life experiences which helps to get across the major points. I also enjoyed the many references to experiments. I highly recommend learning about the subject and this book is a good beginning.