Definition
A public good is a good that simultaneously features both nonexcludability and nonrivalry in consumption.
Delimitation and Examples
A pure public good is a good that simultaneously features both nonexcludability and nonrivalry in consumption (Batina and Ihori 2005; Cornes and Sandler 1996; Oakland 1989; Sandmo 2008). Nonexcludability implies that excluding individuals from making use of the good is prohibitively costly, such that all individuals can benefit from the provision of the good. Nonrivalry means that the consumption of the good by one individual does not reduce the consumption possibilities of other individuals. Classic examples include national defense or a lighthouse. In contrast, a private good is characterized by both excludability and rivalry in consumption. For example, if an apple is consumed by one individual no other individual can make use of the apple. In addition, excluding other individuals from the benefits of the apple is associated with only minor...
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Friehe, T., Baumann, F. (2021). Public Goods. In: Marciano, A., Ramello, G.B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Law and Economics. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7883-6_393-2
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Public Goods- Published:
- 09 June 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7883-6_393-2
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Public Goods- Published:
- 29 September 2015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7883-6_393-1