Description
This book for lay people uses the concepts of game theory to analyze the world of social networks. Where game theory is just introduced as a concept without using any formulas. It starts with an introduction of key concepts such as Nash equilibrium, Pareto optimality, stability, tactics, and strategy, offering a solid theoretical foundation. These concepts are further illustrated with a variety of practical examples, making the subject accessible and engaging.
Following a general introduction, the author examines the dynamics of power networks, drawing parallels to broader phenomena, including aspects of university life. The book concludes with an insightful discussion on the Italian system for electing university professors, highlighting its unique structure and implications.
Rich in examples, the book investigates networks of power and advantage in historical and contemporary contexts. From medieval guilds and tribal systems to the Greek and Phoenician colonies, it provides a vivid exploration of how networks have shaped societies. Other parallels, such as trading networks from Genoa, Venice, and colonial trading companies like those of the British, French, Russian, and Dutch, further illustrate the enduring influence of such structures.
The book is a unique resource that sheds light on the hidden forces at play in social interactions, power dynamics, and the world's historical and modern networks - all while being a fun read!
Introduction.- Why networks of power are unavoidable in human societies.- Game theory as a part of mathematics.- Nash equilibrium and pareto optimality.- Characterization of the possible applications of game theory.- Mischis deeds.- Traitors and womens networks.- Guilds technocrats and judges.- Constitutional rules to control the actions of networks or power.- Representative constitutional democracies.- The possible solutions to the problems caused by the existence of power.- Darwins conjecture about human progress.
Prof. Francesco dell Isola is co-author of more than 284 papers (indexed in Scopus). He was editor or co-author of 8 technical books published in Springer Nature, also. He supervised or co-supervised more than 20 Ph.D. students and 20 postdoctoral projects. He gave more than 80 invited lectures in several universities and international conferences and has been Visiting Professor in more than 7 universities (France, USA, and Russia). He has founded and directed the International Research Center of the Università dell Aquila and its journal. In 2018, he has been Russell Severance Springer Professor at the University of California, Berkeley and has been nominated CNRS FELLOW in 2023, based at the ENS Paris Saclay. His research interests are in several fields of theoretical mechanics and applied mathematics: the common techniques used are variational principles, as a heuristic tool for formulating mathematical models. In particular, he has studied the possible applications of Lagrangian mechanics methods to social sciences and economy and the present book popularises some of the most important results in this field.
