A brief review on evolutionary game models for the emergence of fairness

¹ School of Intelligence Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing Beijing 100083, China
² Key Laboratory of Intelligent Bionic Unmanned Systems, Ministry of Education, University of Science and Technology Beijing - Beijing 100083, China
³ State Key Laboratory of Alternate Electrical Power System With Renewable Energy Sources and School of Control and Computer Engineering, North China Electric Power University - Beijing 102206, China

Received: 28 October 2024
Accepted: 28 November 2024

Abstract

Fairness stands as a pivotal element in maintaining social stability. It is still a highly challenging issue to explain how fairness emerges in society. The ultimatum game (UG) and the dictator game (DG) have become prominent paradigms for exploring the emergence of fairness. A great number of mechanisms have been put forward to promote the emergence of fairness in these two games. In this paper, we sort out the recent relevant evolutionary game models regarding fairness and categorize them according to the mechanisms for the emergence of fairness. The main mechanisms consist of network reciprocity, role assignment, spite, empathy, stake size, and indirect reciprocity. Especially for indirect reciprocity, we make a detailed introduction of a theoretical method and some recent works that use this theoretical approach to explore how fairness evolves. Finally, we suggest several potential avenues for future research.