Rational Behavior in Complex Interactions

Coordinator: Luo Xiao, Associate Professor, Economics

Project Description and Scope

Applications of game theory have arisen in many fields of economics, such as industrial organization, international economics, labor, finance, and political science. The normative and positive work of game theory has been motivated, in the main, by an interest in the rigorous understanding of human behavior in strategic contexts. Exploring rational behavior in strategic contexts is a profoundly important subject in game theory and economic theory.

The reading group intends to (i) read most relevant and important papers in the literature, (ii) invite experts to give lunchtime seminars, and (iii) promote intellectual conversations across the participants in the reading group. We hope this project is helpful in broadening scientific horizons and in establishing a solid base for our academic career, and also beneficial to graduate students with the research activity that is complementary to their academic training in classes.

Initial Reading List

  • A. Ambrus: Theories of coalitional rationality, JET 2009 (144), 676-695.
  • A. Ambrus & K. Rozen: Rationalizing choice with multi-self models, working paper, Harvard University, 2010.
  • L. Blume, A. Brandenburger & E. Dekel: Lexicographic probabilities and choice under uncertainty, Econometrica 1991(59), 61-79
  • L. Blume, A. Brandenburger & E. Dekel: Lexicographic probabilities and equilibrium refinements, Econometrica 1991(59), 81-98.
  • A. Brandenburger, A. Friedenberg and H.J. Keisler: Admissibility in games, Econometrica 2008 (76), 307-352.
  • D. Bergemann, S. Morris, O. Tercieux, Rationalizable implementation, working paper, Princeton University, 2010.

Meeting Schedule and Events

Venue: Silcock Journal Room (AS2 06-23)
Time and Frequency: 12:00-15:00 Thursdays from July 2010 to May 2011
(about 30 weeks)

Invited speakers:
1. Professor Kim Sau Chung at University of Minnesota
2. Professor Takashi Kunimoto at McGill University

List of Participants

  • Luo Xiao, A/P, Economics
  • Chen Yi-Chun, Assistant prof., Economics
  • Fu Haifeng, Assistant prof., Mathematics (NTU)
  • Zhang Yongchao, PhD students, Mathematics
  • Sun Xiang, PhD students, Mathematics
  • Miao Bin, PhD students, Economics
  • Wang Ben, PhD students, Economics
  • Lu Yunfeng, PhD students, Economics
  • Yang Yanrong, PhD students, Mathematics (NTU)
  • Qu Chen, Master students, Economics
  • Zhang Zilong, Master students, Economics
  • Chen Chengzhi, Double degree student, Electrical Engineering