UPSC Prelims 2008 Q57: Indian Economy – National Income & Economic Growth
The term “Prisoner’s Dilemma” is associated with
which one of the following?
- (a) A technique in glass manufacture
- (b) A term used in shipping industry
- (c) A situation under the Game Theory
- (d) Name of a supercomputer
Answer: (c) A situation under the Game Theory
Explanation
What "Prisoner's Dilemma" refers to
This famous term describes a specific kind of strategic decision-making scenario studied in a particular academic field.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) A technique in glass manufacture | Incorrect | Unrelated to glass manufacturing |
| (b) A term used in the shipping industry | Incorrect | Unrelated to shipping |
| (c) A situation under Game Theory | Correct | The Prisoner's Dilemma is a classic scenario in Game Theory, illustrating how individually rational choices can lead to a worse collective outcome |
| (d) Name of a supercomputer | Incorrect | Unrelated to computing hardware |
Prisoner's Dilemma facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Field | Game Theory |
| Illustrates | Tension between individual rationality and collective outcomes |
Answer: (c) A situation under the Game Theory.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Glass manufacture is unrelated to this term.
- (b) Incorrect. The shipping industry is also unrelated.
- (c) CORRECT. The Prisoner's Dilemma is a classic Game Theory scenario.
- (d) Incorrect. It is not a supercomputer name.
Key point
The 'Prisoner's Dilemma' is a classic situation studied under GAME THEORY, illustrating how individually rational choices can lead to a worse outcome for everyone involved.
Remember
The 'Prisoner's Dilemma' is a situation studied under Game Theory.
Common mistakes
- Confusing this academic/strategic concept with unrelated industrial or technical terms.
- Not knowing Game Theory as the specific field this term belongs to.
- Assuming unfamiliar-sounding terms must relate to technology or manufacturing.
Exam tip
'Prisoner's Dilemma' = a classic Game Theory scenario, not a technical/industrial term.
Sources
- John F. Nash — "Equilibrium Points in n-Person Games", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 36 (1950)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — prisoner's dilemma