LSAT (Law School Admission Test)Reading ComprehensionMedium
Passage: "The 'tragedy of the commons' describes a situation in which individuals, acting independently and rationally according to their own self-interest, deplete a shared limited resource, even when it is clear that it is not in anyone's long-term interest for this to happen. Garrett Hardin famously popularized the concept, using the example of medieval common grazing lands where each herdsman, seeking to maximize his own gain, adds more cattle, collectively leading to overgrazing and the destruction of the pasture for all. This principle extends beyond environmental resources to include phenomena like overfishing, traffic congestion, and even the overuse of public Wi-Fi networks. Solutions often involve regulation, privatization, or community-based management to align individual incentives with collective welfare." The example of 'overfishing' serves to illustrate:
- AThe economic benefits of unregulated resource extraction.
- BA problem that can only be solved through privatization.
- CA specific instance of environmental degradation.
- DHow the tragedy of the commons applies to various shared resources.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. How the tragedy of the commons applies to various shared resources.
After introducing the core concept and the grazing lands example, the passage states, 'This principle extends beyond environmental resources to include phenomena like overfishing, traffic congestion, and even the overuse of public Wi-Fi networks.' This clearly indicates 'overfishing' is presented as another example of the tragedy of the commons principle in different contexts.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The tragedy of the commons describes the *depletion* of resources, not the benefits of unregulated extraction, which leads to negative outcomes.
- B. The passage lists regulation, privatization, *or* community-based management as solutions, not exclusively privatization.
- C. While overfishing is environmental degradation, its primary role in the passage is to exemplify the broader 'tragedy of the commons' principle.
Role of Examples
Examples in a passage serve to illustrate, clarify, or support a broader point or argument made by the author.
- Illustrates a general principle.
- Provides concrete evidence for an abstract concept.
- Helps the reader understand complex ideas.
Memory trick: Illustrations are 'Concept Art' for the mind.