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MENTAL MODEL · M2038

Moloch

Moloch
DecideHigh supportGame Theory
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

A demon symbolizing "coordination failure." In multi-party games, everyone rationally pursues self-interest, resulting in all falling into a worse situation (e.g., arms races, involution). Moloch is the force that drives us to sacrifice values for survival.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Systemic reflection. When we ask "Why do we build nuclear weapons that could destroy the earth?", the answer is not "because people are evil," but "because of Moloch." Only through higher-level coordination mechanisms (contracts, beliefs) can Moloch be killed.

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Moloch symbolizes "coordination failure": each party is rationally selfish, yet collectively they fall into a worse equilibrium (prisoner's dilemma style). No one is evil, but the structure forces them to sacrifice long-term values (arms races, involution). It is the personification of multi-agent system failure.

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Source support: Explicit

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