Upright and uptight

By B.R.

THERE is an element of game theory to reclining an aeroplane seat. As long as there is equilibrium—either everyone in your column of seats is upright or everyone is reclined—no-one is disadvantaged. But the person who reclines when the passenger behind does not, wins a benefit directly from his opponent (and, for anyone who has spent a flight battling with the person in front of him, opponent is the correct word).