The game of the name: A fundamental analysis of the institution of names
Published online on August 30, 2025
Abstract
Rationality and Society, Volume 38, Issue 1, Page 42-74, February 2026.
The fact that we all have names makes naming an ubiquitous institution. We develop a game-theoretic model to explain the existence of single names (anthroponyms) and how they may be exchanged as a way to promote cooperation. In social interactions, names ...
The fact that we all have names makes naming an ubiquitous institution. We develop a game-theoretic model to explain the existence of single names (anthroponyms) and how they may be exchanged as a way to promote cooperation. In social interactions, names ...