Hardin's Tragedy of the Commons & Justice Theories Overview

What is the central concept of Hardin's "The Tragedy of the Commons"?

Shared resources are overused and depleted when individuals act in their own self-interest.

In Hardin's view, what is the primary cause of the Tragedy of the Commons?

Individuals maximize personal gain without bearing the full cost of overuse.

Which of the following is an example of the "commons" as described in Hardin's article?

A shared pasture, fisheries, oceans, or the atmosphere.

Why is it difficult to solve the Tragedy of the Commons by relying solely on individuals' morality?

Some restrain themselves while others don't, creating unfairness and continued overuse.

What solution does Hardin suggest to address the Tragedy of the Commons?

"Mutual coercion mutually agreed upon" → laws, regulations, or limits.

Which best describes Hardin's argument about the carrying capacity of the Earth?

Earth's resources are finite and cannot support unlimited population growth.

How does Hardin illustrate the Tragedy of the Commons in his example of the shared pasture?

Each herder gains by adding cattle, but the pasture becomes overgrazed and ruined.

In the context of "The Tragedy of the Commons," what role does "mutual coercion" play?

Agreed-upon restrictions that protect resources.

What does Hardin mean by "Freedom in a commons brings ruin to all"?

If everyone uses shared resources freely, they will be destroyed.

Why are technology and education insufficient on their own to solve the Tragedy of the Commons?

They delay problems but don't prevent overuse without regulation.

Aristotle argues that justice means what?

Giving people what they deserve, based on the purpose (telos) of the good.

What is the defining difference between ancient and modern conceptions of justice?

Ancient = justice tied to virtue and purpose; Modern = justice tied to rights and freedom.

What is at the core of the Purple Heart debate?

What counts as deserving honor—moral desert vs. physical injury.

Which of these is NOT a way of thinking about justice?

Anything outside welfare, freedom, or virtue.

Which describes the "fairness camp" of libertarians?

Justice = respecting individual liberty, minimal government interference.

What is Bentham's approach to the morality of an action?

Judged by the pleasure vs. pain it produces (principle of utility).

What is the principle of utility?

The greatest happiness for the greatest number.

What does Bentham say the business of government is?

To promote the happiness of the community.

Example Sandel gives of utilitarianism in modern policy?

Cost-benefit analysis, e.g., pricing human life in regulations.

What does Aristotle argue about distributive justice?

Every theory distributes goods based on what people deserve.

What does Aristotle find to be the first step in moral education?

Learning good habits of character.

What is the main driving force in international politics (Morgenthau)?

The struggle for power.

According to Morgenthau, moral norms in IR are what?

Subordinated to national interest and survival.

What does Morgenthau mean by "balance of power"?

Distribution of power that prevents domination by one state.

What is the natural origin of the state (Aristotle, Book 1)?

Household → village → polis (state).

Which is NOT one of the 3 good forms of government (Aristotle, Book 3)?

Democracy (seen as deviant form of polity).

According to Aristotle, what is the relationship between the household and the state?

Household meets daily needs; state aims at the good life.

What form of government does Aristotle say is best (Book 3)?

Polity (constitutional gov't blending democracy and oligarchy).

What qualifies something as individual property (Locke, Ch. 5)?

Mixing one's labor with resources.

What do Locke and Aristotle agree on about society?

Humans are naturally social and form communities.

In Chapter 7, Locke says man was born with a right to what?

Liberty.

In Chapter 8, why do men agree to live in society?

To protect life, liberty, and property.

Which society divides power correctly (Locke, Ch. 8)?

England (separation of powers).

What is the chief purpose of society (Locke, Ch. 9)?

Preservation of property (life, liberty, possessions).

How does Locke distinguish between government and society (Ch. 19)?

Society = people united; Government = institutions, dissolvable if trust is broken.

What is the primary subject of Mill's On Liberty?

Limits of authority over individuals.

When can society restrict liberty (Mill)?

Only to prevent harm to others.

What is the Harm Principle (Mill)?

Actions can only be restricted if they harm others.

What does Mill argue about "tyranny of the majority"?

Majority opinion can oppress minorities.

What does Mill claim about silencing an opinion?

It robs humanity of truth or challenge to truth.

What is "social tyranny" (Mill)?

Pressure of public opinion that stifles individuality.

What role do individuality and diversity play in society (Mill)?

They are essential for progress and human flourishing.