A Trolley Problem

A trolley is heading towards two sets of tracks, at great speed due to public transit right of way. On the left track are 5 of Kents friends, throwing a dinner party. On the right track is a single friend to have a deep conversation with. At either stop, Kent will be happy.

The Prisoners Dilemma 

Kent has a friend in Australia. With an 11h time difference, trying spontaneous phone calls leaves someone in bed or at work.

Texting solves the coordination problem. Nash equilibrium: It’s perfectly timed for Kent to switch a morning run for a rest day and Kent’s friend to be home from work.

Travelling Salesman Problem.

Kent needs to go shopping to several shops, a very tedious activity, exacerbated by the fact that an optimal route cannot be found in any reasonable (polynomial) time.

London is such an interesting city to walk in that the commuting is a benefit, not a cost. Inviting a friend leaves Kent happy with the entire experience.

Buridan’s Ass

There are so many interesting places to travel to from London that Kent finds it impossible to choose. 

With UK holiday of 30 vacation days a year Kent doesn’t have to choose, he can go experience much of what Europe has to offer.

We must imagine Sisyphus happy

Kent gets up and goes on a morning run alongside the river Thames. At work, he has interesting economics problems waiting for him. After work, he faces A Trolly Problem. Kent goes to bed. Kent gets up and goes on a morning run alongside the river Thames.