Prerequisites for Learning Game Theory

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the prerequisites for self-studying game theory, particularly from the perspective of someone with a limited mathematical background. Participants explore the necessary mathematical knowledge and suggest resources for learning the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in learning game theory alongside statistical mechanics and seeks guidance on prerequisites and affordable resources.
  • Another participant suggests a specific online course that may align with the inquirer's level and emphasizes its affordability.
  • A different participant notes that many introductory game theory courses require minimal mathematical knowledge, focusing more on concepts than rigorous mathematics.
  • This participant also mentions that familiarity with matrices and set theory may be sufficient for understanding basic game theory.
  • There is a reference to a Dover book that is considered accessible, though the title is not recalled.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that introductory game theory can be approached with limited mathematical knowledge, but there is no consensus on specific prerequisites or the best resources.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not defined the specific mathematical concepts that may be necessary for understanding game theory, nor have they resolved the varying levels of rigor in different courses.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in self-studying game theory, particularly those with a background in engineering or limited mathematical training.

Aero51
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Hey, I am looking to teaching myself a new subject along with statistical mechanics. I am very interested in some of the implications of game theory and the notion that we can approximately quantify and predict decisions made by large groups of people. unfortunately, as an engineering graduate my "advanced" (to a math major) mathematics background is limited to 1 class on nonlinear systems and 1 class on probability. As the title suggest, I would like to know some of the prereq's for a self taught course in Game Theory and a reliable and CHEAP book as teaching material.
 
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The description of the course below sounds very close to what you are looking for and might be at your level. The class started a couple of days ago but they might still let you in. You asked for CHEAP and free from a first tier university doesn't get any better than that.

https://www.coursera.org/#course/gametheory
 
Nice. Just my 2cents, a good number of game theory courses require very little mathematical knowledge. (Don't get me wrong, some can require a good bit!), but for a first course in game theory, a lot of the course is getting you familiar with the concepts you'll encounter, not so much the rigor behind it. Thus you can find such courses spread out through various departments like biology, economics, business, etc.

As for books, I can't remember the title but dover book has a nice one in their catalog that is typical and an easy to read book.

*I don't know you mathematical ability but assuming you can deal with matrices and read and work with set theory, you should be fine.
 

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