David's Sling by Marc Stiegler

package could be adapted with a high degree of success to each individual's therapy needs. And that is perhaps the unique feature of Zeteticism: it focuses on the methods used for customizing methods for each individual set of needs and values. Zeteticism explores methods of method-selection."
    PAN. Methods of method-selection indeed! Bill recognizes the sound of hokum.
    "So tonight we have a sampler for you—short discussions of a number of aspects of life upon which Zetetic ideas offer different perspectives. We'll lead off with a little experiment—something that you can all participate in. We shall explore the meaning of rational thought, irrational thought, and superrational thought: we shall play the game of the Prisoner's Dilemma."
    PAN. Men enter, wearing badges with the insignia of the Institute, and escort groups of people away from the lecture hall. Dr. Hammond walks over to Bill. "Let me show you the way," he offers. His eyes follow Bill's face like a biologist who has just spotted a delightfully rare but degusting insect. "That's a beautiful button on your collar there. I've never seen one quite like it."
    He knows about the flatcam!
    "When the games are over, would you be interested in a copy of our videotape? It would probably be easier to edit."
    CUT. Bill opens his mouth, then closes it. He shrugs. "I'll roll my own if you don't mind."
    Hammond tilts his head. "Suit yourself."
    He escorts Bill to a small, antiseptic cubicle, chatting constantly, probing occasionally into Bills viewpoint. The cubicle contains a beige computer terminal, a chair, nothing else. Bill stops at the doorway. There is something odd here—he inhales sharply.
    Is there a scent of pine trees here, ever so subtle? He looks hard at Hammond. "Is my reaction to this room a part of the test?" he asks.
    Hammond chuckles. "No. Mr. Hardie, this isn't a test. We aren't interested in your reactions in any direct way. Our purpose here is to give you an experience, so you can see how theories apply to action, and so you can see firsthand the importance of superrational thinking. We think it's particularly important to introduce superrational thinking to people such as yourself."
    FOCUS. Bill does not ask what Hammond means when he speaks of people "such as himself."
    Hammond waves Bill into the single chair next to the terminal. He explains the rules. "Here's the situation. Every person from the class is sitting in a cubicle like this one. Now, we're going to pair you up with one of these people, and together you are going to be the Prisoners."
    "Are you going to lock me in?"
    Hammond shakes his head. "Of course not. But you are on your honor not to enter another person's room. Not that it matters; you won't have time to hunt for them all over the Institute anyway."
    "I see." Bill feels too warm, though the room is comfortable.
    "As prisoners, the two of you have been put in separate rooms for interrogation. You have two choices: you can confess to the crime, or you can deny involvement."
    "Why would I want to confess?"
    Because when you confess, you turn state's evidence against the other guy. It's a betrayal as well as a confession. Then you get off with a quick parole, and the other guy goes up the river.
    "Of course, the other guy might decide to betray you as well. Indeed, the worst thing that can happen to you is that your partner confesses—betraying you—while you sit here denying involvement."
    "Then why should I ever do anything but betray the other guy?"
    "Because the only way either of you can get out scot free is if you both deny involvement. Denying involvement is a collaboration—a conspiracy as well as a denial. So your best outcome is if you both conspire—but your worst outcome is if you conspire while the other guy betrays."
    "So you're stuck with trusting this guy in another room whom you can't trust."
    "Yes, it's quite a dilemma, isn't it?"
    Bill glares. "Why is this game part of the Sampler?"
    Hammond shrugs. "The results