Puzzles of cooperation

Puzzles of cooperation explore why individuals sometimes choose to work together, even when acting in their own self-interest might suggest otherwise. These puzzles examine situations where cooperation benefits everyone but requires trust or shared effort, like in communities or businesses. Challenges include free-riding, where some benefit without contributing, and ensuring reliable collaboration. Understanding these puzzles helps explain how societies, organizations, and groups encourage cooperation through norms, incentives, or institutions to achieve collective goals despite individual incentives to defect.