Economics
Public Goods Provision and the Free Rider Problem
Quick fact
The term 'free rider' was popularized in the 1960s, but the concept dates back to David Hume in 1740, who described the 'free-rider' problem in shared resources.
Why this is interesting
Ever enjoyed a beautiful sunset or breathed clean air? You didn't pay for them. But why don't businesses provide such things? The answer reveals a puzzle at the heart of economics.