Algebra of conscience. (Q5948150)

This is the second edition of a well-received book [for a review of the first edition (Dordrecht: Reidel) (1982) see Zbl 0537.03001]. It is more than \(60\%\) longer than the first edition. In the first edition the author considered a model of an individual who possessed an external world, had a ``freedom of will'', could make intentional actions, and established a relationship to another individual. This led to a distinction between two ethical systems. Now the author extends his model. His individual has a choice between good and evil, that is, a moral choice. This model is applied to the theory of the \(2\times 2\) constant sum game. The payoff matrix is supplemented by a Boolean matrix, in which the outcome of games and the strategies of the individual are represented as good or evil. In this way the choice of a strategy becomes similar to a moral choice. The purpose of the model is to see how the individual behaves under a specific system of assumptions. In particular, this new model makes it possible to look into Prisoner's Dilemma when the individuals have both rationality and morality. The book has many other interesting insights. At least some of its conclusions may be confirmed experimentally.