The Zero-Sum Game: Competition and the Illusion of Gain
Game theory, the mathematical modeling of strategic decision-making, employs numerous concepts to help understand the dynamics of interaction. One of the most important and frequently cited among these is the zero-sum game. This concept describes situations where one participant's gain necessarily results in another participant's loss, and the total "winnings" remain constant, effectively summing to zero. Zero-sum games serve as fundamental models for competition and conflict, holding relevance across various domains, from sports and economics to politics.