The social life of automata

This is a survey of recent results on the evolutionary dynamics of cooperation. Based on the Prisoner's Dilemma Game, evolutionary chronicles show the emergence of cooperative, error-proof strategies like Pavlov or Contrite Tit For Tat. Such strategies describe social norms. Another class of models deals with indirect reciprocity: here, the return of an altruistic action can be due to a third party. Again. strategies based on discrimination can evolve and lead to cooperation.