Aron Rappaport

Aron Rappaport (born 1933, died 2023) was an Israeli-American computer scientist and academic known for his work in applying game theory to social psychology, specifically in areas such as prisoner's dilemma and conflict resolution. He developed numerous experimental paradigms to study cooperative behavior and decision-making in individuals and groups. Rappaport held positions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Arizona, where he influenced a generation of researchers in social psychology and behavioral economics. His research explored the conditions under which cooperation could emerge and be sustained, often focusing on the impact of communication, trust, and reputation. He authored several books and numerous articles on game theory, conflict, and cooperation.