The tragedy of the commons refers to:
A)the plight of the common people, who are doomed to low paying jobs and discrimination.
B)the fact that public resources are becoming scarce.
C)the idea that what we have in common is often not why we trade.
D)the idea that when everyone has free access to a resource, it will be overused and depleted.

Question

The tragedy of the commons refers to:
A)the plight of the common people, who are doomed to low­ paying jobs and discrimination.
B)the fact that public resources are becoming scarce.
C)the idea that what we have in common is often not why we trade.
D)the idea that when everyone has free access to a resource, it will be overused and depleted.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tragedy of the commons refers to the idea that when everyone has free access to a resource, it will be overused and depleted. This occurs because individuals act in their own self-interest rather than considering the larger collective impact on the resource.

The Tragedy of the Commons Refers To