A game theorist, Chwe uses different categories but sees powerful dynamics in ritual as it builds "common knowledge" and helps solve "coordination problems." He observes that:Ī public ritual is not just about the transmission of meaning from a central source to each member of an audience it is also about letting audience members know what other audience members know. I have a specific experience of ritual as a lifelong Catholic and my sixteen years leading liturgy as a priest, as well as reflecting theologically upon those liturgies. His research also shows great interest in social movements, and, unlike Pinker, he seems more respectful of the contributions of religion and religious ritual. He taught economics at the University of Chicago and political science at New York University before assuming his post at UCLA.Ĭhwe, a Korean American, seems eminently likable with his generous offer of signed bookplates, his delight in Jane Austin, and his affection for the classic film " On the Waterfront." Analysis of Super Bowl advertising becomes the baseline for understanding critical concepts of game theory as applied to common knowledge.
Michael Chwe (photo: Reed Hutchinson, UCLA)Ĭhwe, a professor of political science at UCLA, earned his bachelor's at Caltech before earning a Ph.D. After the selection of his work by Zuckerberg, Chwe authored a reaction and summary of his work and its implications found here in the Washington Post. Steven Pinker (Zuckerberg's second book) cites Chwe ( pronounced like "chess" without the "ss") several times in his endnotes. Zuckerberg's seventh selection, Rational Ritual: Culture, Coordination, and Common Knowledge by Michael Suk-Young Chwe, popularizes serious academic work in game theory. As, I suppose he has not read them at the time of making the announcement, it would be difficult to imagine how he sees them building on one another, but I would love to hear him articulate how they interact in his heart and mind.
I'd love to know from whom he received the various recommendations. It feels like the syllabus of a class, mixed between academic and popular writing. I'd love to hear about Mark Zuckerberg's process in selecting the works for his series. To contribute to that dialog, I will offer commentary on each of the readings proposed by Zuckerberg. I am delighted that Mark Zuckerberg's " A Year of Books" offers such an opportunity. Mature, public conversation about issues that matter is foundational for democratic society.
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