Nash equilibrium (纳什均衡) is named after John Nash, an American mathematician. It is a kind of concept, which attempts to determine mathematically and logically the actions that participants of a game should take to secure the best outcomes for themselves.
To find it in a game, one would have to model out each of the possible scenarios to determine the results and then choose what the most satisfactory strategy would be. In a two-person game, this would take into consideration the possible strategies that both players could choose. If neither player changes their strategy knowing all of the information, a Nash equilibrium has occurred.
Imagine a game between Tom and Sam. In this simple game, both players can choose strategy A to receive $1, or strategy B to lose $1. Logically, both players choose strategy A and receive a payoff of $1. If you revealed Sam’s strategy to Tom and vice versa (反之亦然), you see that no player’s choice is different from the original one. Knowing the other player’s move means little and doesn’t change either player’s behavior. Outcome A represents the Nash equilibrium.
Nash equilibrium helps a player determine the best payoff in a situation based on not only their decisions but also the decisions of other parties involved. It can also be used in many aspects of life, from economics to social behavioral sciences, from business strategies to a house sale and so on.
Unlike dominant strategy, Nash equilibrium doesn’t always lead to the most satisfactory outcome. In most cases, such as in war, whether that is a military war or a bidding war, an individual rarely knows the opponent’s strategy or what they want the outcome to be. It just means that an individual chooses the best strategy based on the information they have. Nash equilibrium can only occur if a player chooses to remain with their current strategy if they know their opponent’s strategy. Furthermore, in multiple games played with the same opponents, it does not take into consideration past behavior, which often predicts future behavior.
12. Which kind of concept does Nash equilibrium belong to?
A.Game theory. | B.Secrecy strategies. |
C.Player information. | D.Participation qualifications. |
13. How does the author explain Nash equilibrium in paragraph 3?
A.By quoting sayings. | B.By drawing a parallel. |
C.By giving an illustration. | D.By summarizing reasons. |
14. What does paragraph 4 mainly tell us about Nash equilibrium?
A.Its elements. | B.Its applications. | C.Its drawbacks. | D.Its backgrounds. |
15. What is the author’s attitude to Nash equilibrium?
A.Resistant. | B.Objective. | C.Confused. | D.Curious. |