Abstract

Game theory assumes that it must be possible for a conflict represented by a game to be satisfactorily resolved without re-defining the game itself. Drama theory asserts that full conflict resolution generally requires players to engage in a rationalemotional process of re-defining both the game and their "positions" in it until there exists a fully satisfactory resolution on which they all agree. In re-defining the game and their positions in it, players must eliminate six “dilemmas”, each of which therefore tends to cause emotions and rationalisations tending toward its elimination.

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«Our lives are built around compromise. Throughout each day we “negotiate” with others in an attempt to obtain mutually acceptable outcomes. In the majority of cases we may not even be conscious of arriving at a compromise we are culturally (or even biologically) conditioned to strike these bargains. However, at other times we are painfully aware of the need to negotiate often until we are blue in the face! (more...)

CHAPTER 1: WHAT IS DRAMA THEORY? 2
1.1 The case of Oedipus—and the rest of us 2
1.1.1 Does drama apply to life? 2
1.2 Drama theory, game theory and choice within a fixed frame (‘instrumental rationality’) 3
1.2.1 Rational choice theory as the starting point for drama theory. 4
1.3 Drama theory and ethics 7
1.3.1 Differing moralities 8
1.3.2 Humour and irony 8
1.3.3 What kind of ethics? 9
1.4 Other uses of the drama metaphor; free will and consciousness 10
1.4.1 The author and the audience 12
1.5 Drama theory in relation to other subjects 13
1.5.1 Rationalism v. irrationalism 15

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