TED-ED: What is the tragedy of the commons? - Nicholas Amendolare

The video explores the concept of the tragedy of the commons through a thought experiment involving a fish pond shared by villagers. It explains how individual self-interest can lead to the depletion of shared resources, resulting in negative outcomes for all. The video discusses historical and modern examples, such as overfishing and pollution, and highlights the importance of collective action and social contracts to address these issues. It emphasizes that optimizing for the common good benefits everyone in the long term.

In the village pond experiment, what is the optimal number of fish each villager should catch daily to maintain the fish population?

• Four fish

• One fish

• Two fish

• Three fish

Who first described the concept of the tragedy of the commons?

• Garrett Hardin

• Adam Smith

• John Maynard Keynes

• William Forster Lloyd

What is a key feature of the tragedy of the commons?

• It promotes individual sacrifice for the common good

• It benefits the individual without affecting others

• It allows individuals to benefit while spreading negative effects across the population

• It ensures long-term sustainability

Which of the following is an example of the tragedy of the commons in real life?

• Recycling programs

• Antibiotic resistance

• Public transportation

• Community gardens

What is one way humans have addressed the tragedy of the commons?

• By ignoring the problem

• By forming social contracts and passing laws

• By relying solely on technological solutions

• By increasing individual consumption