Conceptualizing ‘Cooperation’ and ‘Defection’ in the Volunteer’s Dilemma (and in Social Dilemmas More Generally)*

Abstract

AbstractWe show how ‘cooperation’ and ‘defection’ in the Volunteer’s Dilemma can be conceptualized in line with established terminology for game-theoretic models of social dilemmas. Commonly employed labels for strategies in the Volunteer’s Dilemma are not well in line with our conceptualization. Also, our conceptualization suggests new theory formation and empirical research on the Volunteer’s Dilemma.