THEM'S THE RULES - Rock, Paper, Scissors: I've Got Throws in Different Area Codes

Rock, Paper, Scissors: I've Got Throws in Different Area Codes

12/21/21 • 62 min

Rock, Paper, Scissors...shoot!

Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS) is an ancient game known around the world for the unambiguous rules: rock beats scissors, scissors beat paper, and paper beats rock.

In this episode, Bronwen takes a multilevel look at this deceptively simple hand game, from a wacky, costumed subculture to the expensive world of high art, sociological commentary on sport to the dynamics maintaining nature’s biodiversity and beyond.

As always, Bronwen engages in a philosophical inquiry into the rules of RPS – beyond its easy gameplay. She considers how we readily employ RPS as a rule to settle disputes – whoever wins, gets to call the shots. We follow this rule based on the premise that as a random game of chance, it is therefore unbiased and fair. ... but is it really?

Experts suggest the game can be strategized to one side’s advantage, using insights into human behavior and skills of psychological manipulation to influence a player’s likelihood of success. Can RPS be used to settle disputes more serious than who gets the last slice of pizza? Given its familiarity around the world and precedence of its use in law and order – it’s not that hard to imagine!
LINKS
World Rock Paper Scissors AssociationFormalizing Opponent ModelingSocial Cycling and Condition Response in RPSSupport the show!FOLLOW THEM'S THE RULES: || WEBSITE || INSTAGRAM || FACEBOOK || TWITTER ||

Rock, Paper, Scissors...shoot!

Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS) is an ancient game known around the world for the unambiguous rules: rock beats scissors, scissors beat paper, and paper beats rock.

Previous Episode

Rules of the Internet: Porn of Plenty

In this episode, Bronwen explores the history and cultural significance of the so-called “Rules of the Internet,” a humorous, yet dated, list of axioms, catchphrases, and memes of what the internet is and how users should behave on it.

Spawned by the infamous 4chan Image Board, these “rules” are not enforceable by any official authority. Rather, they were written as a parody, borrowing from the scientific definition of “rule” to make predictive observations about the phenomena that is our digital landscape.

Bronwen also takes a closer look at the internet’s raunchiest rule, Rule 34: If it exists, there is porn of it. No exceptions. By applying a lens of evolutionary psychology, she learns to appreciate the diversity of online pornography.
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Next Episode

New Year's Resolutions: In One Year and Out the Other

Did you make a New Year’s resolution?

In the pits of winter, millions of people hoping to leave their past failures behind them set a goal for themselves in the New Year – to be healthier and happier, to travel more and Instagram less, to spend more time with friends and family or to snag that promotion at work. But studies show only 8% of those who make New Year’s resolutions will actually be successful!

So, what gives?

Why do we make resolutions every January 1st? Why do most of us fail by February?

In this episode, Bronwen explores the ancient tradition of the New Year’s resolution, diving into the social constructions, cultural expectations, and cognitive underpinnings influencing our success.
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