Nash-Gleichgewicht und Minimax-Lösung – Gegenüberstellung zweier Konzepte der Spieltheorie

Abstract

The article wants to analyse the two most important principles in game theory – Nash equilibrium and Minimax solution – in order to teach them in upper secondary. Both concepts reflect human ways of coming to decisions in every day (conflict-)situations in which two or more persons are participating. The considered criteria are differing to a great extent. On the one hand the Nash equilibrium solution wants to maximise the own benefit depending on the behaviour of the other „parties“, on the other hand the Minimax solution is a more risk-averse principle. Presenting a simple two persons’ game the consequences are analysed in the article. Here a striking duality arises naturally which can be discovered by students themselves. Teaching this topic requires technically only elementary methods of school mathematics but the intended focus lies primarily on processes like interpreting, arguing, displaying and on the real comprehension of the concepts of the two methods.