The quantum foundations of utility and value

This work presents a generalization of game theory and new perspectives on utility and value. Using quantum formalism, we prove that classical game theory is a special case of quantum game theory. We show that the von Neumann entropy and von Neumann-Morgenstern utility are equivalent and that the Hamiltonian operator represents value.This article is part of the theme issue 'Thermodynamics 2.0: Bridging the natural and social sciences (Part 1)'.

Automated summary

This article presents a generalization of game theory and provides new insights into utility and value. Through the use of quantum formalism, it is proven that classical game theory is a subset of quantum game theory. The equivalence of von Neumann entropy and von Neumann-Morgenstern utility, as well as the representation of value by the Hamiltonian operator, is demonstrated.