Interactive Epistemology
Mathematical models
of conflict and cooperation
between intelligent, rational
decision-makers
as we encounter the sacred space
of the game board
playing field of love
Psychodrama dialogue with the invisible
as objects endowed with psychic energy
become our actors upon the stage
male/female qualities intertwining
an offering to fuel the imagination
activating emotionality
Wholeness, rules and freedom
define our actions
traversing nature and civilization
where the depths of the unpremeditated
private reactions to external constraints
aid us in exploring symbolic struggles
against death, elements,
individual doubt and weakness
A self-contained universe
full of divination and magic
Convex Sets
Before we engaged
in non-cooperative games
modeled to the finest detail
sequential perfect information systems
a theorist’s dream
In these cutthroat skirmishes
competition overtook us
algorithmic measurable motives
induced a sense of control
within a symmetrical pay-off matrix
all zero-sum outcomes
as someone always lost
Mixed Strategy
Your love engulfs
I experience the computational complexity
of trembling hand perfection
this move I didn’t intend to play
an initiation that surprises
Correlated equilibrium
in characteristic function form
these cooperative games
exist to create unity
There are imperfect information tradeoffs
we commit perlocutionary acts
knowing there’s no way to simplify,
say the meaning of the word (x)
has a definitive parameter
In a series of performative utterances
no constate sentences, no verified truth
yet imbued with illocutionary force,
with the potency of action
We proceed simultaneously
in asymmetric, non-zero-sum
combinatorial strategies
without any provable optimal theory
only our communication
assuring mutual satisfaction
as we form binding commitments
Despite the intricacies
logistics and uncertainties
I turn to you and say, ‘I promise’
ha…calculating the probability of any promise i might suggest is unwise…smiles…i like this..in there is a love story…tentative steps taken…the stanza on defining the word (x)…i like as it also implies a double meaning (ex)…cool verse anna
Yes, that’s actually from a linguistic philosophical argument posited by J.L. Austin that just happened to fit and provide a double meaning, nice catch. Thanks for reading!
Anna,
I really love the piece. The philosophy imbued, the electricity present with each expression made, mathematically, the computations can be felt. Internal dialogue merges with externality, joining forces with both idea and shared experience. The oration brought forth here, I had to smile. The ending stanza, despite it’s lack of space consumed, when compared to its poetic companions, speaks volumes. And you mention logistics. Great write, love it, thanks:)
Fred, I’m so happy you loved it for what it is, full of game theory, philosophy, linguistics, and math. I like how you’ve put this :).
I think I like the Mixed Strategy most, because there’s the strongest sense of character and story. The trembling-handed narrator seems to be distracting him or herself from the matter at hand (love) with rationalizations and then comes round at the end with a performative utterance. It’s nice to see Austin invoked in poetry.
Thank you, trembling hand perfection is a mathematical refinement of Nash equilibrium where a player, due to a ‘slip of the hand’ or tremble chooses an unintended strategy but it was selected for precisely the purpose you bring up. I’m glad you know Austin :).
This is wild, Anna. As I was reading it, I was thinking a political situation. And, I guess, there are a certain number of political implications in relationships/promises. Quite clever and surprising.
I absolutely think you could apply game theory to politics :)! I’m glad it surprised you, thank you for reading.
I was thinking about a political dimension too. In the end I was thinking of a couple negotiating their way, that a promise is always a very risky thing. A warm hug is a much surer bet.
Yes, I now see how you and Victoria could read it that way, nice additional dimensions. A hug would be lovely but impossible for this couple, thank you for the nice thought.
Anna, another wonderful write. 🙂
Thanks Ayala :).
I actually knew all about this one, making it that much more fun. Game theory can apply to many aspects in life and get the situation you want, most of the time. But in the end it does have it’s holes, for no matter what it tells you, sometimes your gut is the right decision. Other times should never promise without thinking first, usually we do the opposite though. Really thought provoking verse.
Thank you Pat, you do know a lot. Yes, trying to get the numbers right in human relationships is likely a disaster. Glad it got your brain warmed up :); thought provoking is always music to my ears.
What a rich way of approaching this painful topic… works so well Anna. ‘Convex Sets’ – that is a strangely apposite descriptor for relationships….and an aural pulsar.
Maths was always a bete noir for me… but this analogy makes me intrigued about the patterns… this one will beckon me back.
‘Convex Sets’ is a term taken from game theory, where John Nash used a theorem (based on Brouwer’s fixed-point theorem) to prove that in the game of Hex there is a winning strategy. That section deals with non-cooperative games where one player wins and another loses, a disastrous way to engage in relationship. The next section Mixed Strategy addresses love as a cooperative game which allows for the possibility of players creating binding commitments. I hope this helps elucidate some of the math without overpowering the poetry. Thanks so much for reading!
I love this Game Theory poem! What a great title with great section titles! Excellently constructed and written.
I love so many concepts in game theory. It truly is a very helpful topic.
I posted a Zumwalt Game Theory Poem back on July 8, a few days after the site started up — and was going to post a link of that — but in checking it has no comments, no likes, no indication anyone has read it — so great opportunity to repost. Will plan on reposting in a bit. (to find the existing version before I delete it , you can do a search for “game theory poems” on google.) You may want to add “game theory” as a tag to your poem, however, based on my experience, not getting any traffic from any googlers searching for game theory poems. 😉
Thank you very much for the feedback and directing me to your piece, it was great. I don’t tend to tag my poems and I need to change that habit. I worry the tags will steer readers or worse, they’ll only read the tags :).
hey anna – another exploration in poetics reaches great heights – i’m always impressed by your application of inspiration meeting artisitc endevor equalling distinction – bravo
Thank you Arron, that’s a wonderful compliment coming from you, I’ll cherish it :).
intense and provocative. games, their models and language can be powerful alphabets for thinking about ourselves and our context. at the same time i feel resistant to thinking about love as a game. i can see that as it has individuals and variable actions and outcomes it could be talked about with that kind of language. it still feels unreal somehow. modelled and not keeping the whole impact or context in frame. i don’t think there are saved games in life. it does feel realistic to imagine myself as one piece within a wider complexity.
Nash frightens me. I have seen his thinking in Adam Curtis’ documentaries on YouTube.
Nash’s rational self interested individual has no systemic or ecological sense of participation or responsibility. Economic rationalism seems to me to be the economic systemic expression of his theories. Broken and difficult to resolve/heal. imho.
Perhaps in situations where we are in limbo these alphabets, symbols, expressions of hope or
imagined resolutions are a real way to engage and to make tangible feelings which are not otherwise expressible.
For me the last stanza steps outside of the machinery of game.
‘I promise’ feels real and heartfelt.
I can see your points completely Janet, sorry if I came across as a fan of Nash, I am not. I don’t believe in economic rationalism and still bemoan that steady state economics never gained any serious traction. In college I spent a lot of time in environmental ethics and agree with your points about ecological sense. I like what you’ve said about imagined resolutions and hope in times of limbo. In a way my logical/rational side tries to win out when I experience upheaval. However, you’ve hit the nail on the head with the purpose of I promise amidst the chaos. Always appreciate your intelligent feedback.
Sorry Anna didn’t mean that you were a fan. Just a reaction to his name.
Perhaps we are coming to a point of reevaluation of economic models and that the time has come for an economics which factors in ‘ecological profit’ and ‘ecological assets’ which are really the bottom line for any earth based organism or society. We can hope. Can relate to being rational through upheaval it sounds very sensible. I think I am patchy. Sometimes I hide, cocoon. Sometimes I have hidden in games, Civilisation, Dwarf Fortress, colours, patterns, using their complexities and simplicities to make an alternative space and yes as you suggest in the poem they offer a sense of control and perhaps of ‘saved games’ and reloading to avoid mistakes. But they cost time/life and because they are parallel they do not help fix things in the proper world. I guess games are ok if there is no way to effect change other than to wait. The main problem is a head full of unconstructive mayhem so your rational approach would be much better. Your poem resonates. You can write wonderful things even in chaotic times.
enjoyed this immensely, Anna. Psychodrama dialogue made me giggle 😉
Thanks Sheila, I really appreciate your visits :).
I really like how you make mathematical and scientific theories interesting in your poems. I’m not familiar with game theory but now I feel like reading a bit on it.
Interesting:
“In a series of performative utterances
no constate sentences, no verified truth
yet imbued with illocutionary force,
with the potency of action ”
Emotions and feelings, love has basis not on truth, just gut.
I like how the poem ends. Forget the computations. Just do it.
Happy Thanksgiving, Anna.
That’s great to hear Ravenblack, the section you pull out is from linguistic philosophy and a theory I found interesting too. Yes, love is beyond truth I think and your interpretation of the end so true. Thank you for the well wishes!
I think this poem explores that grey area where intellect is trying to analyze and compute emotion, with mixed results–zero-sum, but also apples and oranges. It can be a very frightening place, so sticking labels and patterns on it can be helpful. You definitely made my torpid brain cells try to do so anyway. ;_) Hope you enjoyed your holiday, Anna.
Thank you Joy, I hope you enjoyed yours too. It’s certainly been busy with all the packing and planning :)!
Dearest Anna Montgomery,
In this miracle of stars and hummingbird guitars
I hear your poems sing.
On this playing field of illocutionary force I do believe, (of course)
loving communication shall remain king.
So what to do about the competitive nature? Compete to see who can love the most! And therein the decision makers both shall win.
xoxo
Hello there lovely Jannie, so nice to see you here. I missed out on OLN this last week (I’m planning an epic road trip). I really like the competition to see who can love the most, as long as I win ;)! Oh wait, that’s what they mean by win-win! I’ll be by to see what you’ve been up to soon.
Hello, you win perfect poet award for week 56, hope that you have enjoyed it.
It has been a delightful experience with you supporting Thursday Poets Rally, we have enjoyed your presence and talent very much, thumbs up!
fabulous poetry along the way, keep those gems coming.
Always, you are more than welcome to join our biweekly rally.
Happy Holidays!
smiles.
xoxox