The Commons dilemma, also known as the tragedy of the commons, is a situation in which individuals acting in their own self-interest consume or deplete a shared resource, ultimately leading to its degradation or depletion.
In this dilemma, a common-pool resource, such as a pasture, fishery, or forest, is available to multiple individuals. Each individual has the incentive to maximize their own gains by exploiting the resource, but excessive exploitation can lead to its deterioration or depletion, which ultimately harms everyone.
The concept was first introduced by ecologist Garrett Hardin in 1968. He argued that with unrestricted access to a shared resource, individuals are more likely to prioritize their own short-term interests over the long-term sustainability of the resource. This leads to overconsumption or overexploitation, as each individual tries to benefit as much as possible from the resource before others do.
The Commons dilemma highlights the conflict between individual self-interest and the collective well-being. It raises important questions about resource management and the need for sustainable practices. Various solutions have been proposed to address the Commons dilemma, including government regulations, privatization, and the establishment of community-based governance systems that impose rules and limits on resource use.
Overall, the Commons dilemma is a significant challenge in areas where shared resources exist, as it requires finding a balance between individual and collective interests to ensure the long-term sustainability of the resource.
Commons dilemma
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