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Great question. Maybe markets aren't a functional solution to problems of public commons? I can't think of a community problem where a market-based solution e

by saulpw 5y ago

Great question. Maybe markets aren't a functional solution to problems of public commons? I can't think of a community problem where a market-based solution even helped, let alone solved the problem.

wolverine876 5y ago
> I can't think of a community problem where a market-based solution even helped, let alone solved the problem. While I agree that the market isn't the panacea and God it's portrayed to be, I didn't understand the GP that way. Your point goes much too far the other way. Most of most community problems are solved by 'free' markets, including food (most food is bought and sold in the market), much of transportation (cars, planes), shelter (most homes are owned by private parties), etc. I think the interesting question is, where is the market good at, and what are other tools good at?
- shlurpy 5y ago
  Food and shelter clearly aren't solved by the free market, or malnutrition and homelessness wouldn't be so prevelant. It just moves the problem to someone or somewhere else, and has to be augmented by public funds to keep the problems from exploding. And transportation isn't even close to a free market... when is the last time you traveled somewhere entirely on private unsubsidized infrastructure? You can't even leave your driveway.
  - wolverine876 5y ago
    > Food and shelter clearly aren't solved by the free market ... That's shifting the goalposts and not what I said. They are mostly solved (along with other issues) by free markets. Most people get their food and shelter that way, and the market generates most of the wealth needed to feed and shelter the others.
    - saulpw 5y ago
      The community problem--of how the "rest" of the people get their food/shelter/transportation--is not solved via markets. "Most" isn't good enough. "Most" of the sidewalks in SF don't have feces on them. So with the free market approach, you could already say there isn't actually a problem. Free markets have a great time servicing 80% of the people with 20% of the resources and then pocketing the rest of the resources as profit. Community solutions need to be able to service 100% of the community. It's like the "last mile" problem of economics. "Sorry, it's not profitable for the police to protect your neighborhood" is unacceptable.
- 8note 5y ago
  Food at least is solved by government subsidies and safety regulation. The market aspects are tacked on at the end to appease the rich who want priority over the poor when getting the best quality food

by saulpw 5y ago

Great question. Maybe markets aren't a functional solution to problems of public commons? I can't think of a community problem where a market-based solution even helped, let alone solved the problem.

wolverine876 5y ago

> I can't think of a community problem where a market-based solution even helped, let alone solved the problem. While I agree that the market isn't the panacea and God it's portrayed to be, I didn't understand the GP that way. Your point goes much too far the other way. Most of most community problems are solved by 'free' markets, including food (most food is bought and sold in the market), much of transportation (cars, planes), shelter (most homes are owned by private parties), etc. I think the interesting question is, where is the market good at, and what are other tools good at?

shlurpy 5y ago
Food and shelter clearly aren't solved by the free market, or malnutrition and homelessness wouldn't be so prevelant. It just moves the problem to someone or somewhere else, and has to be augmented by public funds to keep the problems from exploding. And transportation isn't even close to a free market... when is the last time you traveled somewhere entirely on private unsubsidized infrastructure? You can't even leave your driveway.
- wolverine876 5y ago
  > Food and shelter clearly aren't solved by the free market ... That's shifting the goalposts and not what I said. They are mostly solved (along with other issues) by free markets. Most people get their food and shelter that way, and the market generates most of the wealth needed to feed and shelter the others.
  - saulpw 5y ago
    The community problem--of how the "rest" of the people get their food/shelter/transportation--is not solved via markets. "Most" isn't good enough. "Most" of the sidewalks in SF don't have feces on them. So with the free market approach, you could already say there isn't actually a problem. Free markets have a great time servicing 80% of the people with 20% of the resources and then pocketing the rest of the resources as profit. Community solutions need to be able to service 100% of the community. It's like the "last mile" problem of economics. "Sorry, it's not profitable for the police to protect your neighborhood" is unacceptable.
8note 5y ago
Food at least is solved by government subsidies and safety regulation. The market aspects are tacked on at the end to appease the rich who want priority over the poor when getting the best quality food