"Apply the definition"? It's a qualitative term in a qualitative field. Everything in economics is about quantifying your qualitative assumptions of things.

"Apply the definition"? It's a qualitative term in a qualitative field. Everything in economics is about quantifying your qualitative assumptions of things. Which is probably the best way to study the matter. But don't miss the forest for the trees here. Your problem is with entitlements, not some grander definition of public/private goods. I mean, if I could convince you SS was a public good, it wouldn't change your opinion, right?