Epinets: The Epistemic Structure and Dynamics of Social Networks

Synopsis

Epinets Presents A New Way To Think About Social Networks, Which Focuses On The Knowledge That Underlies Our Social Interactions. Guiding Readers Through The Web Of Beliefs That Networked Individuals Have About Each Other And Probing Into What Others Think, This Book Illuminates The Deeper Character And Influence Of Relationships Among Social Network Participants. Drawing On Artificial Intelligence, The Philosophy Of Language, And Epistemic Game Theory, Moldoveanu And Baum Formulate A Lexicon And Array Of Conceptual Tools That Enable Readers To Explain, Predict, And Shape The Fabric And Behavior Of Social Networks. With An Innovative And Strategically-minded Look At The Assumptions That Enable And Clog Our Networks, This Book Lays The Groundwork For A Leap Forward In Our Understanding Of Human Relations. Why Do We Need An Epistemic Model Of Social Networks -- An Epistemic Description Language For Social Interactions And Networks -- What Do You Think I Think You Think About It? : Epinets As A Tool For The Study Of Network Structure -- I Think You Think I Think You're Lying : Trust, Secrecy, Covertness And Authentication In Social Networks -- I Know You Think She Thinks I Trust You -- But, I Don't : Moves, Tactics, And Strategies Defined And Played In Epinets -- What You May Think We Are Doing Here : By Way Of Conclusion. Mihnea C. Moldoveanu And Joel A.c. Baum. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 175-180) And Index.