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Friday, 10 February 2006, 11:53 AM
Math, Matrimony, and Micturition

Is that the best subject line of the day, or what?

Anyway, a mathematical analysis of the "toilet seat" problem encountered by mixed-gender couples sharing common facilities. Amusing.

It is notable that John and Marsha each advocates a strategy that benefits them. This is predictable under game theory. However the conflict over strategies has a cost M in marital discord that is greater than the cumulative cost of toilet seat transfers. It behooves John and Marsha, therefore, to adopt a strategy that minimizes M.

This is not simple. A common reaction is to advance sundry arguments to justify adopting strategy M or J. All such arguments are suspect because they are self serving (and often accompanied with the “If you loved me” ploy.) A sound strategy is one that is equitable and is seen to be equitable.

(via GeekPress)


Filed under :: Potpourri
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Pings?

Trackback ping address: http://www.hill-kleerup.org/blog/mt4/080510t.cgi/8592
Where Worlds Collide (12-Feb-06 12:41 PM): Game Theory meets Toilet Seats
The Science Creative Quarterly has come up with a game theoretic approach to the toilet seat problem. With mathematic proofs... ...

Comments?

Friday, 10 February 2006, 2:07 PM
Quoth Avocet ...

I have always put the seat down afterward! In fact, I close the lid as well.

My new roommate prefers to have the lid up. I try to accomodate her, and only about 10% of the time do I close it out of habit.

Saturday, 11 February 2006, 10:25 AM
Quoth Ian ... Author Profile Page

cats = lid down

No women in the house


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