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Chapter Overview
Chapter 1: Some situations called coordination problems are resolved through shared common knowledge.
Chapter 2: Public rituals generate common knowledge, which is why authorities rely on them to maintain their power.
Chapter 3: Advertising likewise produces common knowledge.
Chapter 4: While weak links work better for communication, strong links work better for coordination.
Chapter 5: The panopticon prison design shows how curbing common knowledge generation can be crucial for maintaining power.
Chapter 6: Both rational decisions and cultural practices shape how coordination problems get solved.
Description
Rational Ritual (2001) offers a profound, game theory-based analysis of the role that rituals, ceremonies and media events play in society. Throughout the ages, these rites have been used to create “common knowledge” that allows people to solve problems such as which ruler to obey and which products to buy. Essential reading for budding Robespierres or Steve Jobses alike.
Who Should Listen
- Amateur game theorists, social psychologists or sociologists
- Anyone interested in the true societal function of rituals, ceremonies and other cultural practices