摘要：Observed in many countries, the traditional “Rock-Paper-Scissors” game represents a competitive interaction model that we also find in the animal world and in some social situations. Is it, as is often claimed, a triangular model generating a cyclical structure? Its underlying structure is in fact that of a two player zero-sum game, whereas the, apparently isomorphous, “Fox-Chicken–Snake” game’s structure in fact denotes a circular triadic configuration. This intransitivity generates a paradox characterized by an ambivalence which creates ambiguity between opposition and cooperation interactions.
Many sociologists hold triads to be the fundamental relational unit. But paradoxical triads, which have perverse effects, are rejected by institutions, especially sport institutions, even though they seem fruitful and favor the emergence of a social link, a factor of open-mindedness and adaptability.
关键词：paradoxical game, balanced graphs, intransitivity, traditional game, tournament, triad, voting paradox, zero sum two persons game
