Abstract

In many contexts, all of the individual members of a group canbenefit from the efforts of each member and all can benefitsubstantially from collective action. For example, if each of uspollutes less by paying a bit extra for our cars, we all benefit fromthe reduction of harmful gases in the air we breathe and even in thereduced harm to the ozone layer that protects us against exposure tocarcinogenic ultraviolet radiation. If allof us or some subgroup of us prefer the state of affairs in which weeach pay this bit over the state of affairs in which we do not, thenthe provision of cleaner air is a collective good for us., Unfortunately, my polluting less does not matter enough for anyone—especially me—to notice. Therefore, I may not contribute myshare toward not fouling the atmosphere. I may be a freerider on the beneficial actions ofothers. This is a compelling instance of thelogic of collective action, an instance of such grave importthat we pass laws to regulate the behavior of individuals to force themto pollute less.