An Interview with Thomas C. Schelling: Interpretation of Game Theory and the Checkerboard Model

Abstract:     
This note is mainly based on a short interview with Thomas C. Schelling (TCS), who shared the Nobel Prize with Robert J. Aumann in 2005. The interview took place on 06.03.2001 at University of Maryland, College Park, USA. It consists of two parts. The first part is about his interpretation of game theory, particularly about the use of game−theoretic models in explaining the origin and maintenance of conventions, and norms. The second part is on the origin of Schelling's influential checkerboard model of residential segregation, particularly about his approach to modeling social phenomena exemplified by this model. The note ends with some concluding remarks.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 8

Keywords: Thomas Schelling, game theory, checkerboard model

JEL Classification: B20, B31, B41

Accepted Paper Series