The Tragedy of the Commons

1. The Tragedy of the Commons

2. Four Green Red Gold Silver Green Red Gold Silver

3. 1. How did the self interest of each fisherman impact what fish were caught first? If there was a round 3 predict what would happen? What would be the best way to prevent the resources from being depleted? This is an example of game theory’s tragedy of the commons. What does the tragedy of the commons tell us about human self-interest and natural resources and public goods. What are some real-life example? 7. Are people more or less likely to depleted their private property or public property faster? 8. Thinking in terms of cost- benefits why is the tragedy of the commons unavoidable? Fishing, common fields, global warming, resource depletion, traffic It is rational (at least in the short run) to serve self-interest. In terms of benefits, individuals who defect receive the entire private benefit. And in terms of cost, individuals share the cost with everybody else. This normally results in a net positive for the defector.

4. Tragedy of the Commons Each farm has private land and shared common land. The common land can support the grazing of 20 cows. Each farmer agrees to have 2 cows graze on common land. Total= 16. If a farmer defects and adds additional cows, it isn’t a problem, but as more farmers do the same the common resource becomes increasingly depleted. The reason that this occurs is because the individual farmer’s private benefit exceeds his share of the social cost.

5. Relate this to pollution by companies. Spending in Congress Deals that are too good to pass up in stores.