Introduction: “The Tragedy of Commons”
In the first section, “Pollution,” of “The Tragedy of the Commons,” Professor Garrett Hardin argues that in the case of commonly used spaces or resources, the primary issue lies in individuals who engage in spreading pollution. According to him, the fundamental problem arises from the perception among those spreading pollution that it is their right to do so as individuals who have paid (either through taxes or a price) for the use of these resources. Hardin contends that this mindset leads to the aggressive dissemination of pollution in various forms, including chemical pollutants, through water, air, and land.
Hardin asserts that individuals tend to believe that the cost of purifying the source of pollution is considerably less than the pollution they are causing. This belief stems from the rational thinking of each person, who, in exercising their freedom, engages in such activities. Consequently, in their view, there is no wrongdoing on their part, as “Since this is true for everyone,” according to Hardin.
Private Property and “The Tragedy of Commons”
However, Professor Garrett Hardin argues that a significant issue lies in the concept of private property, which extends to the limits determined by the owner. Notably, Hardin emphasizes that the air and water surrounding an individual cannot be fenced, making the limits imposed by the owner subjective and self-defined. This, according to Hardin, is where the real tragedy of pollution emerges, as the “concept of private property favors pollution.”
To illustrate this point, he provides the example of a factory owner who believes it is within his rights to muddy the waters up to the limit permitted by his ownership of the land. Hardin contends that this permission is self-made, as the owner unilaterally decides the extent to which he can cause pollution.
Hardin proposes a solution involving the imposition of heavy taxes on pollution-treating devices or the enactment of stringent laws for polluters. This, he suggests, could deter the pollution of commonly used resources. However, he acknowledges that a challenge exists in the fact that legal measures are often slow to adapt to changing circumstances.
Idea of Private Property and “The Tragedy of Commons”
Professor Hardin attributes this issue to our conception of private property, as each individual interprets the boundaries of their property according to their own perspective. In the case of a factory owner, he illustrates that the owner might consider the middle of a stream within his property, giving him the perceived right to muddy the waters. This, according to Hardin, stems from the subjective nature of property limits influenced by individual interpretations.
Furthermore, Hardin notes that the global population has increased at an alarming rate, leading to a manifold increase in the burden on pollution treatment devices. Consequently, he argues that the urgent need is to redefine property rights, making owners more cognizant of both their rights and responsibilities. By doing so, it would become more feasible to impose taxes on owners consistently and equitably.
Pollution and “The Tragedy of Commons”
The section on “Pollution” in “The Tragedy of the Commons” has captured my interest, particularly due to Professor Garrett Hardin’s assertion that individuals believe they have the right to spread pollution because they perceive that they are paying for their share. However, Hardin notes that this perspective does not consider the limits of a factory owner’s property and the potential impact of pollution on the properties of others. I find his argument compelling, especially his observation that the increase in population has strained treatment resources.
This perspective prompts the consideration of new laws to regulate property and the imposition of taxes based on property ownership. Such measures, according to Hardin, are essential to prevent individuals from indiscriminately spreading pollution and address the challenges posed by the growing population and its impact on treatment resources.
Works Cited: “The Tragedy of Commons”
- Sharma, Subhash. “Managing Environment: A Critique of ‘The Tragedy of Commons’.” Journal of Human Ecology 12.1 (2001): 1-9.
Relevant Questions about “The Tragedy of Commons”
- How does Professor Garrett Hardin explain the concept of the “Tragedy of the Commons,” and what are its implications for shared resources?
- What role does the idea of private property play in Hardin’s argument about pollution in “The Tragedy of the Commons”? How does the perception of property boundaries contribute to environmental issues?
- According to Hardin, how does the increase in population exacerbate the challenges associated with shared resources and pollution? What solutions does he propose to address these issues, particularly in the context of property rights and taxation?
