The Science of Harry Potter (was the Trio's Houses)

[Ebony <selah_1977@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 49984

Eloise wrote:

"In _The Science of Harry Potter_, Roger Highfield explains by 
reference to 
the "Prisoner's Dilemma", that the house system at Hogwarts with its 
physical 
separation of the students into four groups contributes to greater 
stability 
and prevents the ambitious and self-seeking nature of the 
stereotypical 
Slytherin from dominating. The "Prisoner's Dilemma" is a game by 
which 
mathematicians, social scientists and biologists simulate the 
conflicts 
between groups and individuals: the conflict between selfish desire 
and the 
co-operation necessary for group advancement."

If you come to Nimbus - 2003, you'll get to meet Roger Highfield, as 
he is one of our featured guest speakers:

http://www.hp2003.org

I'm not so sure that the Prisoner's Dilemma works for the Sorting 
Hat, thought.  The Hat seems to sort people according to individual 
traits rather than group dynamism, IMO.

--Ebony AKA AngieJ