Social Contract, Free Ride: A Study of the Public-Goods Problem

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Exploring the public goods dilemma, the author reveals how the pursuit of fairness within the social contract inadvertently fosters 'free riding.' He argues that without taxation, public goods could emerge from spontaneous cooperation, but this leads to free riding, which groups struggle to accept. As a result, they shift from voluntary to compulsory solutions, ultimately exacerbating the issue. The book posits that these misguided incentives significantly contribute to the dysfunction of organized society, challenging conventional views on public provision.