In this episode we discuss the intersection between neuroscience and game theory, ask whether you are smarter than a Chimpanzee, examine how simple mental judgements can be massively wrong, explain the basics of game theory, and dig deep into strategic thinking with Dr. Colin Camerer. 

Colin is the Robert Kirby Professor of Behavioral Finance and Economics at the California Institute of Technology. A former child prodigy Colin received his B.A in quantitative studies from John Hopkins University at the age of 17, followed by an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Chicago at the age of 19, and finally a Ph.D in behavioral decision theory from the University of Chicago at the age of 21. Colin research is focused on the interface between cognitive psychology and economics. 

We discuss: 

• How to out-think (and think one level ahead of) your competition

• How we make simple mental judgements that go wrong

• The fundamentals of game theory and how you can practically apply it to your life

• Are you smarter than a chimpanzee? (the answer may surprise you)

• The psychological limits on strategic thinking

• How game theory cuts across multiple disciplines of knowledge from evolution to corporate auctions

• The concept of a nash equilibrium and why its important

• The fascinating intersections between psychology and game theory

• The game theory behind rock paper scissors (and the optimal strategy)

• Why people don’t think strategically (and why it matters)

• Discover if you re you a level zero thinker or a “Level K” thinker

• Why working memory has a strong correlation between making strategic decisions and cognitive flexibility

• The fascinating results behind the “false belief test"

• How to make strategic inferences from the knowledge that other minds have

• And much more!

If you want to make better decisions or have always been fascinated by game theory - listen to this episode!

Thank you so much for listening!

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SHOW NOTES, LINKS, & RESEARCH

• [Website] Primate Research Institute Kyoto University

• [Book] Thinking Strategically by Avinash K. Dixit & Barry J. Nalebuff

• [Book] Games of Strategy by Avinash Dixit, Susan Skeath, & David H. Reiley Jr.

• [Book] Behavioral Game Theory by Colin F. Camerer

• [Book] Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

• [Social] Colin's Twitter

• [Ted Talk] The Strategizing Brain: Colin Camerer

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT