Editing Freedom Evolves (section)

===Beneficial mutual arrangements===

Dennett also suggests that adherence to high [[ethical]] standards might pay off for the individual, because if others know your behaviour is restricted in these ways, the scope for certain beneficial mutual arrangements is enhanced.  This is related to [[Game theory|game theoretical]] considerations: in the famous [[Prisoner's Dilemma]], 'moral' agents who cooperate will be more successful than 'non-moral' agents who do not cooperate.  Cooperation wouldn't seem to naturally arise since agents are tempted to 'defect' and restore a [[Nash equilibrium]], which is often not the best possible solution for all involved.  Dennett concludes by contemplating the possibility that people might be able to opt in or out of moral responsibility: surely, he suggests, given the benefits, they would choose to opt in, especially given that opting out includes such things as being imprisoned or institutionalized.