The Tragedy of Oil and Garret Hardin

Our Natural Resources in Jeopardy as Seen Through Garret Hardin's Tragedy of the Commons

When looking at the current crisis in the over consumption of oil, Garret Hardin’s Tragedy of the Commons provides a framework in relating the problem as the depletion of an essential natural resource. If we take the resource of Oil in the context of Hardin’s meaning of “common” use, then the principles of the tragedy apply the same. “Tragedy” for Hardin is an inevitable state of the human condition caused by the negative effects of endeavors towards progress. These endeavors are passed on and reinforced in every generation. 

Tragedy of the Commons 

Hardin’s theory supposes that every individual, in claiming freedom, strives to capitalize or gain their greatest potential worth, but in the process disregards the possibility of exhausting resources. His argument opens as a critique of Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” theory, which compels one to act in self-interest only, and the economic system will provide for the public as a whole. The concern of Hardin is that in this selfish state, individuals will neglect the natural resources and spaces that provide us the bare essentials of life. The earth does not provide limitless resources, especially in the case of Oil, but yet environmental concerns are disregarded and self-interest rules.

The impact of Oil on the individual