Hardin - The Tragedy of the Commons

Question 1

What is a “commons” or “common pool resource”?

Answer 1

A good that is rivalrous and non-excludable.

Question 2

What makes up a “Tragedy of the Commons”?

Answer 2

• Individual rationality (using more) leads to collective irrationality (using too much)
• Benefits only for the individual, costs for everyone

Question 3

Why is the “Tragedy of the Commons” so difficult to solve?

Answer 3

• It cannot be solved through technical solutions
• It is not a zero-sum-games (where just a single player can win), but there is an ideal solution

Question 4

What three options does Hardin see for “common pool resources”?

Answer 4

1. Sell the commons as private property (owner has interest to prevent overgrazing)
2. Sell the right to use it through auction or through lottery
3. Use a first come, first served right

Question 5

What does “Tragedy in reverse” mean?

Answer 5

E.g. pollution, is not about how much can be extracted but put into the commons

Question 6

Why does conscience (Gewissen) not work for a commons?

Answer 6

You cannot be sure that you won’t end up as the sucker
→ either you are openly condemned for not following the conscience, or secretly for being so stupid to do so (double-bind)