Rational ritual culture, coordination, and common knowledge - Chwe, Michael Suk-Young (Princeton University Press, 2001)
Includes bibliographical references (pages 113-126) and index
Cover; Title; Copyright; Contents; List of Figures and Tables; Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Applications; 3. Elaborations; 4. Conclusion; Appendix. The Argument Expressed Diagrammatically; References; Index
Why do Internet, financial service, and beer commercials dominate Super Bowl advertising? How do political ceremonies establish authority? Why does repetition characterize anthems and ritual speech? Why were circular forms favored for public festivals during the French Revolution? This book answers these questions using a single concept: common knowledge. Game theory shows that in order to coordinate its actions, a group of people must form "common knowledge." Each person wants to participate only if others also participate. Members must have knowledge of each other, knowledge of that knowledg