作者:Ah sa 发表时间:2001年6月13日 21:27
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section (I): An Esstential Distinction
In this message, I want to point out an important distinction (区分) (a) game theory [比拟:optimization (最优化)] (b) a model using game theory [比拟:a model using optimization]
Notice that game theory ITSELF in (a), just like optimization itself, is just a handy (便于使用的) tool (工具) for modeling, it has NO EXPLANATORY POWER (解释力) at all!
But, when we impose some constraints & test conditions, we can make use of game theory/optimization to construct a model in (b). If this model can derive (取得) testable implications (可验证含义) that fits empirical facts, then we say this model has explainatory power!
I guess many students against game theory fail to understand this distinction.
This is exactly like we use optimization in consumption/production theory. Optimization itself cannot explain anything, but I guess no one would say consumption & production theory without explanatory power!
Similarly, game theory just gives us a handy framwork(框架) with which we can easily build up a model, derive equilibrium and testable implications.
Is this necessary(必需的)?
Somethimes yes, sometimes no. Sometimes, when the phenomena is simple enough, we can do it by inituition (直觉) and no game theoretical approach is needed.
Sometimes, when the problem is complicated (复杂), we need game theory to put concepts(概念) into a simple format (格式), so that we can derive implications easily.
We do exactly the same thing in consumer theory. Sometimes, a law of demand is sufficient(足够的). But sometimes, we need to model the whole optimization procedure (程序), so that we can derive implications like how tax rate/price of good 2/income affect demand.
Some think that everything explanable by game theory can be explained by cost.
I tell you, every phenomena in economics ultimatly (最终) come down to cost, taste and initial endowment. Game theory (just like consumer theory, supply-demand model, walrasian general equilibrium model) is just a way to model, ok