Political Science 2230E Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Methodological Individualism, Game Players, Game Theory

• School: Western University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: Political Science 2230E
• Professor: Alacantra

Document Summary

Core assumption is individuals are trying to maximize utility. We have preferences and make choices in accordance. Assume canadian citizens can rank order preferences. Transitivity: a > b, b> c, therefore a>c. When we make decisions to achieve preferences, we do not have full information. We operate on expected utility - what we think will happen rather to be sure on. Rarely have perfect information what will happen. People who are driven by altruism and emotion are do not use rational choice. We need to think of politics as a game. Usually individuals, but can also be groups. They have perfect information - no uncertainty. Defines limits of action of what can and cannot be done. Choices that players make within rules of the game. Outcomes - what happens given which players play what strategy. Equilibrium - what happens if players act rationally. Backwards induction - start at bottom and work up.