Welcome to the infographic: the problems with public goods. 

There are three different types of public goods 

1) Non-excludable - once these are provided these cannot be taken away. (clean air, and streetlights)

2)Non-rivalrous - This says a person use does not prevent another use.

3)free riders - The problem... benefit without contributing.

 

 

Western Political Solution

Liberalism - Balances individual freedoms with responsibility 

This Institutions coordinates so that public goods can exist.  

Different philosophers who helped shaped western Liberalism  

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

 

  • “General will” = laws reflect the collective good.

  • True freedom comes from participating in civic life.

  • Supports equality & community over pure self-interest.

 

Adam Smith

 

  • Invisible hand” guides markets, but morality matters.

  • Public goods need trust, justice, and limited government intervention.

  • Promotes prosperity through balanced self-interest.

 

John Stuart Mill

 

  • Liberty is essential, limited only by the harm principle.

  • Defends individuality, free speech, and democracy.

  • Society must protect rights to allow human flourishing.

 

John Rawls

  • Justice = fairness.

  • “Original position” + “veil of ignorance”: design rules as if you didn’t know your place in society.

  • Institutions should improve life for the least advantaged.

What Kind of Life Should Liberal Systems Provide?

 

  • Rousseau: Civic virtue, equality, collective freedom.

  • Smith: Moral prosperity, fair markets, stability.

  • Mill: Maximum liberty, individuality, protection from tyranny.

  • Rawls: Fair equality of opportunity, justice for all.


 

about liberty

All of these authors want the same thing. They want the new generations to be able to have liberty and the presume of happiness. All of these speakers want what is best for the new generations of the west. 

Takeaways

Liberalism in the west is a solution to the public good problem because of the pursuit of freedom, fairness, and institutions. This is what makes a society thrive.