The concepts of game theory are analyzed to determine their selective usefulness
for studying certain types of problems and obtaining certain types of
conclusions. It is found that game thtory lends itself to perspectives and
applications which do not question the assumptions underlying existing
structures or institutions in society. The selective usefulness of game theory
concepts 1s reflected ~nthe actual uses and applications of the theory; several
examples are g1ve11.Furthermore, this selective usefulness is quite compatible
with what is known about the origins of game theory. The study of game theory
concepts provides a useful example of a perspective on mathematics from which
n~athematicalframeworks, as well as associated concepts, are seen as being
value-laden.