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Anyone up for Prisoner's Dilemma?

Asked by belakyre (2125points) December 7th, 2009

I take it that some of you have heard of the Prisoner’s Dilemma. For those that haven’t, this following passage is from Wikipedia.
“In its classical form, the prisoner’s dilemma is presented as follows:

Two suspects are arrested by the police. The police have insufficient evidence for a conviction, and, having separated both prisoners, visit each of them to offer the same deal. If one testifies for the prosecution against the other and the other remains silent, the betrayer goes free and the silent accomplice receives the full 10-year sentence. If both remain silent, both prisoners are sentenced to only six months in jail for a minor charge. If each betrays the other, each receives a five-year sentence. Each prisoner must choose to betray the other or to remain silent. Each one is assured that the other would not know about the betrayal before the end of the investigation. How should the prisoners act?”
What would you do in their situation?
Would you remain silent, feverishly hoping that your trust in the other prisoner is not in vain?
Would you prosecute, in the hopes that you would walk free whilst the other prisoner gets 10 years if he remains silent?
Remember, if the other prisoner decides to prosecute as well, the both of you will stay in jail for 5 years.
What will you do and why will you do it?
(Feel free to check Wikipedia if you need a further extension to the Dilemma).

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